Luke Bryan.
Luke Bryan has announced five stadium shows for 2016, including Boston’s Gillette Stadium (July 16), Minneapolis’ US Bank Stadium (Aug. 19), Chicago’s Wrigley Field (Aug. 27), Dallas’ AT&T Stadium (Oct. 22) and Detroit’s Ford Field (Oct. 29).
“I’m crazy excited about this year,” Bryan said. “It’s going to be bigger and better. I’m most excited that we have Dustin Lynch back out to provide me comedy. The fact I could get Little Big Town to tour with me for a whole year, I’m super excited.”
Additionally, Bryan’s Kill The Lights Tour has been extended through this fall, adding 40 concerts to his previously released 2016 schedule.
Fans can purchase tickets beginning Jan. 29 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket at Megaticket.com. Live Nation is the national tour promoter for the Kill The Lights Tour and Cabela’s, a retailer of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is a sponsor. Citi is the official credit card. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass Program.
2016 Kill The Lights Tour second leg:
May 20: Atlanta, Georgia, Lakewood Amphitheater
May 21: Atlanta, Georgia, Lakewood Amphitheater
May 27: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bayou Country Superfest*
May 29: Daytona Beach, Florida, Florida Country Superfest*
June 2: Holmdel, New Jersey, P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
June 3: Atlantic City, New Jersey, Boardwalk Hall
June 4: Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hershey Park Stadium
June 9: Virginia Beach, Virginia, Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
June 10: Washington, D.C., Jiffy Lube Live
June 11: Washington, D.C., Jiffy Lube Live
June 17: Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Country USA*
June 19: Columbus, Ohio, Buckeye Country Superfest*
June 24: Toronto, Ontario, Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
June 25: Toronto, Ontario, Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
July 7: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Summerfest*
July 8: Indianapolis, Indiana, Klipsch Music Center
July 9: Indianapolis, Indiana, Klipsch Music Center
July 16: Foxborough, Massachusetts, Gillette Stadium
July 17: Bangor, Maine, Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
July 21: Scranton, Pennsylvania, The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
July 22: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, First Niagara Pavilion
July 23: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, First Niagara Pavilion
July 29: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, BB&T Pavilion
July 30: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, BB&T Pavilion
July 31: Saratoga Springs, New York, Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Aug. 11: Cleveland, Ohio, Blossom Music Center
Aug. 12: Cleveland, Ohio, Blossom Music Center
Aug. 13: Cincinnati, Ohio, Riverbend Music Center
Aug. 14: Cincinnati, Ohio, Riverbend Music Center
Aug. 19: Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Bank Stadium
Aug. 21: Calgary, Alberta, Country Thunder Calgary*
Aug. 25: Bonner Springs, Kansas, Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
Aug. 26: St. Louis, Missouri, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 27: Chicago, Illinois, Wrigley Field
Sept. 1: Raleigh, North Carolina, Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
Sept. 2: Charlotte, North Carolina, PNC Music Pavilion
Sept. 9: Denver, Colorado, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Sept. 10: Denver, Colorado, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Sept. 15: Sacramento, California, Toyota Amphitheatre
Sept. 16: Mountain View, California, Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sept. 22: Phoenix, Arizona, Ak-Chin Pavilion
Sept. 30: Salt Lake City, Utah, USANA Amphitheatre
Oct. 1: Salt Lake City, Utah, USANA Amphitheatre
Oct. 22: Dallas, Texas, AT&T Stadium
Oct. 29: Detroit, Michigan, Ford Field
*festival date
Dates and cities subject to change. For a full list of Luke Bryan’s Kill The Lights tour dates, visit lukebryan.com.
Vince Gill, Jennifer Nettles, Lee Brice, Lennon & Maisy Set For NHL All-Star Game
/by Jessica NicholsonVince Gill, Jennifer Nettles, Lee Brice, and Lennon & Maisy will lead the entertainment for the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday, Jan. 31, the National Hockey League has announced. The 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game will broadcast live at 5 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. CT on NBCSN, CBC and TVA Sports.
Gill, a longtime Nashville Predators season-ticket holder, will perform the U.S. national anthem. Canadian-born duo Lennon & Maisy will perform the Canadian national anthem. Brice will give a pre-game performance, including during player introductions. Nettles will take the stage during the second intermission.
Country music group Sixwire will entertain fans as the house band during the game, while Nashville’s Small Time Rock Stars will handle similar duties for the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, Jan. 30 (7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT, NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports).
More entertainment begins Jan. 28, as part of the IntelliCEntrics Outdoor Concert Series at Nashville’s Bridgestone Winter Park, including four days of free outdoor shows from Big & Rich, Brice, Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Kelsea Ballerini, Aaron Lewis, Eli Young Band, John Hiatt and Tara Thompson on the Honda Stage. Additionally, from Jan. 28-31, the 2016 NHL Fan Fair presented by Bridgestone will include an indoor concert series featuring Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Lennon & Maisy, Tracy Lawrence, Lonestar, Danny Gokey, MercyMe, Lewis Brice, Ryan Hurd, LOCASH, Russell Dickerson, Steven Lee Olsen, Craig Wayne Boyd, DJ DU, and DJ Rock.
Metro Planning Department Releases Draft Of Music Row Design Plan
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville’s Metro Planning Department revealed the first draft of a proposed plan for the use of Music Row-area properties. Currently it does not involve zoning changes, but creates a land-use policy to help guide future rezoning requests. The plan includes building height restrictions, ranging from three-story limits on the southern end of Music Row near Belmont University, to a 20-story limit on buildings near Demonbreun Street.
In February 2015, the Metro Planning Commission recommended halting all rezoning requests, and recommended that the Metro Planning Department complete a study of the Music Row area, so redevelopment proposals can be treated uniformly.
The future of the Music Row area has become a hot topic, notably after RCA Studio A survived nearly being demolished in 2014. Ben Folds and songwriter-producer Trey Bruce launched a movement to save the studio, which resulted in entrepreneurs Aubrey Preston, Mike Curb and Chuck Elcan stepping in to save the property.
The Music Row area’s current high property values and rich history may bring tension between those who seek to preserve the area that has been home to music labels, publishers, marketers, and touring businesses for decades, and those who seek to make profit on properties located in a high-traffic, high-value area.
The five draft goals released by the Metro Planning Department include:
Chris Janson Celebrates No. 1 Single, “Buy Me A Boat”
/by Jessica NicholsonBack Row, (L-R): Eric Gallimore (Red Vinyl), David Preston (BMI), John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville), Marc Driskill (Sea Gayle), Mike Sistad (ASCAP). Front Row (L-R): Brent Anderson (producer), Chris Janson, and Chris Dubois. Photo: Getty Images for BMI.
Music industry revelers gathered yesterday (Jan. 12) at BMI’s Nashville office to celebrate songwriter and Warner Music Nashville artist Chris Janson‘s No. 1 single, “Buy Me A Boat.” The track was written by Janson and Chris DuBois, and produced by Janson, DuBois and Brent Anderson.
Among those celebrating were ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, BMI’s David Preston, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, CRB’s Holly Lane, CMA’s Brandi Simms, Sea Gayle Music Publishing’s Marc Driskill, and Red Vinyl Music’s Eric Gallimore. Ron Cox of Avenue Bank announced a donation on behalf of the songwriters to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. According to Driskill, “Boat” marked Sea Gayle’s 40th No. 1 song.
DuBois gave thanks to radio personality Bobby Bones for taking a chance and playing “Buy Me A Boat.” “If he hadn’t decided to play that one morning on his show, I don’t know if we would be here right now,” remarked DuBois.
Janson used the party as an opportunity to thank a large portion of the people involved in his career by name, including his constant supporter, wife Kelly. “She’s got some of the best ears [for good songs] in this industry,” said Janson, who also invited her onstage to celebrate with him during the party. “I wouldn’t stand up here without her.”
Janson will join Blake Shelton on tour this winter, and will be featured during CRS’ New Faces of Country Music Show at Nashville’s Omni Hotel on Feb. 10.
“I finally feel like we are winning, and thank you Nashville for letting it happen,” Janson concluded.
Pictured (L-R): TK Kimbrell (TKO Management), Chris Janson, and Kelly Janson. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI.
Chris Janson appears on stage at the number one party for “Buy Me A Boat” at BMI. Photo: Getty Images for BMI
Carrie Underwood’s ‘Greatest Hits: Decade #1’ Certified Platinum
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood. Photo: Alan Poizner
Carrie Underwood‘s Greatest Hits: Decade #1 has been certified platinum by the RIAA. The accomplishment makes Underwood the only country artist to release an album to platinum success since Greatest Hits: Decade #1 was issued in December 2014.
The 25-song, double-disc collection spotlights the success of Underwood’s first 10 years of music and introduced two new No. 1 songs: the Grammy-winning “Something in the Water,” as well as “Little Toy Guns,” the song that earned Underwood her current Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance. According to RIAA, each unit in a multi-disc set counts as one unit toward album certification.
In addition, “Little Toy Guns” has been RIAA-certified gold, while “Something in the Water” is now RIAA platinum.
Upon release, Greatest Hits: Decade #1 debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with first-week sales of 94,000 according to Nielsen Music.
Underwood is currently in rehearsals for the Jan. 30 launch of her new arena headline tour, The Storyteller Tour−Stories in the Round. At radio now is “Heartbeat,” the new single from her Storyteller album.
Pictured (L-R): Jim Catino, A&R VP, Sony Music Nashville; Ken Robold, EVP/COO, Sony Music Nashville; Paul Barnabee, Marketing Sr. VP, Sony Music Nashville; Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Ann Edelblute, Underwood’s manager, The HQ; Carrie Underwood; Bob Foglia, Marketing & Media Manager, Sony Music Nashville; Caryl Healey, Sales VP, Sony Music Nashville; Rachel Fontenot, Marketing Director, Sony Music Nashville; Sarah Westbrook, Digital Strategy VP, Sony Music Nashville; Steve Hodges, Promotion & Artist Development EVP, Sony Music Nashville.
Photo: Alan Poizner
Industry Ink: Stylist On Call, Buddy Lee Attractions, Alive Hospice, Centricity Music
/by Jessica NicholsonJules Wortman Launches On-Demand Beauty Company
“Glam isn’t just for the celebrities, it is something we all can use,” states Wortman. “Nashville is one of the hottest cities today. Not only do we have numerous awards shows, galas, weddings and many other opportunities to get glamorous, we have a record number of wedding parties coming to town for bachelorette parties, as well as executives needing services for that big presentation or for a romantic anniversary dinner. As of today, Nashville can offer this mobile beauty service to everyone.”
Stylist On Call, Nashville also offers services in surrounding communities, including Bellevue, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Hermitage, Mount Juliet, and more.
To book an appointment, visit stylistoncallnashville.com or download the free app. To book, clients select their preferred appointment date, time and location and make a secure online payment. A stylist will then contact the client to confirm the appointment. Same-day appointments are accepted. The website and app include all information regarding booking, as well as a style gallery and images of stylists’ previous work.
Buddy Lee Attractions Adds To Artist Roster
Back Row (L-R): Joe Lee; Brian Fee; Grayson Flatness, David Kinswiney, Senior VP, BLA; Amy Aylward; Aura Guadagno; Nicole Wyatt. Front Row (L-R): Clint Perry, Plaid Flag Music; Kree Harrison; Mike Meade, Representing Agent/VP, BLA.
Kree Harrison and Daphne Willis join the list of entertainers on the BLA roster, which also includes Justin Forrest, Halfway to Hazard, Brooke Hogan, Sonia Leigh, Radio Romance and more.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kree and Daphne, artists with distinct talent and diversity, to the BLA family of entertainers,” said Mike Meade, Vice President and Representing Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions. “These two young ladies offer a taste of a diverse musicality that will satisfy the palate for music listeners who want to be tantalized by what they hear.”
Album of Songwriter Demos Benefits Alive Hospice
Producer Marshall Altman highlights several songwriters behind some of country music’s greatest hits for a new album benefitting Alive Hospice. Keeping It Original for Alive: A Celebration of Songwriters Benefiting Alive Hospice features 13 songs that became hits for Kenny Chesney, Lee Brice, Josh Groban, Gary Allan, Frankie Ballard, Chase Bryant, Lance Miller and John King. The album is available at alivehospice.org, as well as at iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify and other digital stores.
The project is also available at the Bluebird Cafe this month, during the 23rd annual Alive at the Bluebird concert series, which includes three shows with songwriters featured on the project. Two upcoming shows will take place this week. Jessi Alexander, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne (with Nicolle Galyon) will perform Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 9:30 p.m. Marshall Altman, Dylan Altman, and Tommy Lee James (with Gabe Dixon) will perform Friday, Jan. 15 at 9:30 p.m.
Centricity Music Celebrates Five-Week Chart-Topper For Jordan Feliz
Pictured (L-R): Jon Sell, Centricity Music; Jordan Feliz; Kris Love and Jennifer Allen, Centricity Music
Jordan Feliz‘s first CCM single, “The River,” has remained No.1 for five weeks on Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart and seven weeks on the CHR/Hot AC Chart. The Centricity Music staff helped Feliz to celebrate this achievement with a No. 1 plaque. The presentation was made by Jon Sell, Manager of A&R, Kris Love, Senior Director of National Promotions and Jennifer Allen, Director of National Promotion. The single is from Feliz’s debut album for the label, Beloved.
Big & Rich Celebrate Back-To-Back Top 10 Hits With Nashville Party
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (Front Row, L-R): John Rich, Big Kenny. (Back Row, L-R): Ron Cerrito, Mike Nobrega, Whitney Daane, Jeff Solima, Rob Dalton.
New Revolution Records’ Big & Rich threw a party at Mt. Richmore (John Rich’s house) last night (Jan. 12) to celebrate back-to-back Top 10 hits with “Look At You” and “Run Away With You.” And as a bonus, they recently saw the most first week adds in their career for the current single, “Lovin’ Lately,” featuring Tim McGraw.
The event was held on level three of Rich’s home. It featured a full bar, stage, and big screen TV that was showing music videos from Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, and Jason Aldean. All of the songs were co-written by John Rich or Big Kenny.
Marc Oswald, who handles the manger role for Big & Rich, welcomed the crowd before introducing members of BMI, ASCAP, New Revolution, and Kobalt Music Publishing.
Big Kenny took the mic to preach about how “this team has been grinding for years and is on a constant voyage.”
Rich shared the story of meeting Big Kenny at a showcase for the first time and getting hit in the face by a piece of candy that Kenny had thrown the stage. “We decided to write together and had a song on our first meeting. And since then, we have written over 500 songs together,” said Rich.
Many familiar faces were present including Tim McGraw, Michael Ray, and legendary news journalist Dan Rather.
All photos courtesy of Bev Moser/Moments By Moser.
Pictured (L-R): John Rich, Michael Martin (ASCAP), Jody Williams (BMI), Big Kenny.
View of Nashville from Mt. Richmore.
CRS Keynote Offers Esposito, Goodman, Hendrich, Phillips
/by Craig_ShelburneFour industry executives with decades of successful business experience will participate in a keynote discussion at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2016.
John Esposito (newly elected Chairman of the Board of the CMA and President/CEO of Warner Music Nashville), Randy Goodman (Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Bill Hendrich (Executive VP of Radio, Cox Media Group) and Rod Phillips (Sr. VP Programming, iHeart Country) will discuss their “new view” and enlighten attendees on how they have transitioned into new roles.
Additionally, they will discuss their current outlook on the industry and the future, how they intend on managing these new roles and their take on various challenges within the industry.
Charlie Morgan, CRB President and Sr. VP and Market Manager for Emmis Communications/Indianapolis, will lead the discussion, titled New Views From The Top. The keynote is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 8, at 4 p.m. in the Legends Ballroom presentation hall on Level 2 of Omni Nashville.
Morgan states, “This keynote discussion will be very informative to the business-minded professionals attending CRS. Our goal is for attendees to walk away with actionable ideas and thoughts and our end-game is to help them learn how to increase revenue, market share/ratings, and advance their individual career. The level of perspective of these participants will be formidable.”
Steven Tyler Joins NMPA SONGS Foundation Board of Directors
/by Craig_ShelburneThe National Music Publishers’ Association has announced that Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler has joined the NMPA SONGS (Supporting Our Next Generation of Songwriters) Foundation Board of Directors.
Launched in 2015, the NMPA SONGS Foundation promotes the creation of music by supporting gifted songwriters and programs that foster composition education. The foundation’s goal is to provide financial assistance and support of educational programs to assist talented writers, so they can continue their creativity in the age of streaming. It is a 501(c)3 corporation.
“As a songwriter who has lived and breathed this business for most of my life, I see how hard it has become for those young artists who are trying to make it today. I’m proud to serve on the NMPA SONGS Foundation Board because young creators deserve a chance−and we are going to be instrumental in giving that to them,” says Tyler.
“Everyone knows about Steven Tyler’s music, but not everyone knows what a passionate advocate he is for the people behind the songs,” said NMPA SONGS Foundation President David Israelite. “Considering his songwriting credentials, I am thrilled that he is joining the NMPA SONGS Foundation Board, where I know his insight and his heart for helping creators will be an incredible asset.”
The NMPA SONGS Foundation Board also consists of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) President Lee Thomas Miller, singer-songwriter Jewel, songwriter Kara DioGuardi, Razor & Tie founder Craig Balsam, Reservoir Media Management founder Golnar Khosrowshahi, NMPA EVP & General Counsel Danielle Aguirre, and NMPA SVP of External Affairs, Charlotte Sellmyer.
In 2013, Tyler was awarded with the Founder’s Award at the ASCAP Pop Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In November, Tyler founded his philanthropic initiative Janie’s Fund in partnership with Youth Villages to bring hope and healing to girls who have suffered the trauma of abuse and neglect. He is currently working on his highly-anticipated solo album with Big Machine Label Group.
Luke Bryan Announces Stadium Shows, Adds Dates To Kill The Lights Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan.
Luke Bryan has announced five stadium shows for 2016, including Boston’s Gillette Stadium (July 16), Minneapolis’ US Bank Stadium (Aug. 19), Chicago’s Wrigley Field (Aug. 27), Dallas’ AT&T Stadium (Oct. 22) and Detroit’s Ford Field (Oct. 29).
“I’m crazy excited about this year,” Bryan said. “It’s going to be bigger and better. I’m most excited that we have Dustin Lynch back out to provide me comedy. The fact I could get Little Big Town to tour with me for a whole year, I’m super excited.”
Additionally, Bryan’s Kill The Lights Tour has been extended through this fall, adding 40 concerts to his previously released 2016 schedule.
Fans can purchase tickets beginning Jan. 29 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket at Megaticket.com. Live Nation is the national tour promoter for the Kill The Lights Tour and Cabela’s, a retailer of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is a sponsor. Citi is the official credit card. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass Program.
2016 Kill The Lights Tour second leg:
May 20: Atlanta, Georgia, Lakewood Amphitheater
May 21: Atlanta, Georgia, Lakewood Amphitheater
May 27: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bayou Country Superfest*
May 29: Daytona Beach, Florida, Florida Country Superfest*
June 2: Holmdel, New Jersey, P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
June 3: Atlantic City, New Jersey, Boardwalk Hall
June 4: Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hershey Park Stadium
June 9: Virginia Beach, Virginia, Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
June 10: Washington, D.C., Jiffy Lube Live
June 11: Washington, D.C., Jiffy Lube Live
June 17: Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Country USA*
June 19: Columbus, Ohio, Buckeye Country Superfest*
June 24: Toronto, Ontario, Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
June 25: Toronto, Ontario, Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
July 7: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Summerfest*
July 8: Indianapolis, Indiana, Klipsch Music Center
July 9: Indianapolis, Indiana, Klipsch Music Center
July 16: Foxborough, Massachusetts, Gillette Stadium
July 17: Bangor, Maine, Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
July 21: Scranton, Pennsylvania, The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
July 22: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, First Niagara Pavilion
July 23: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, First Niagara Pavilion
July 29: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, BB&T Pavilion
July 30: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, BB&T Pavilion
July 31: Saratoga Springs, New York, Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Aug. 11: Cleveland, Ohio, Blossom Music Center
Aug. 12: Cleveland, Ohio, Blossom Music Center
Aug. 13: Cincinnati, Ohio, Riverbend Music Center
Aug. 14: Cincinnati, Ohio, Riverbend Music Center
Aug. 19: Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Bank Stadium
Aug. 21: Calgary, Alberta, Country Thunder Calgary*
Aug. 25: Bonner Springs, Kansas, Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
Aug. 26: St. Louis, Missouri, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 27: Chicago, Illinois, Wrigley Field
Sept. 1: Raleigh, North Carolina, Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
Sept. 2: Charlotte, North Carolina, PNC Music Pavilion
Sept. 9: Denver, Colorado, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Sept. 10: Denver, Colorado, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Sept. 15: Sacramento, California, Toyota Amphitheatre
Sept. 16: Mountain View, California, Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sept. 22: Phoenix, Arizona, Ak-Chin Pavilion
Sept. 30: Salt Lake City, Utah, USANA Amphitheatre
Oct. 1: Salt Lake City, Utah, USANA Amphitheatre
Oct. 22: Dallas, Texas, AT&T Stadium
Oct. 29: Detroit, Michigan, Ford Field
*festival date
Dates and cities subject to change. For a full list of Luke Bryan’s Kill The Lights tour dates, visit lukebryan.com.
Messina Touring Group Promotes Five To Executive Positions
/by Jessica Nicholson“It’s no secret that every successful company gets that way because of the people working every day to make it grow,” Messina said. “Mike, Rome, Kate, Bridget and Sara have been making this company great for years, decades in some cases. I’m so proud of everyone and these promotions are well-deserved.”
Dugan and Winter worked on Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour, the McMahons helped guide Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival run of stadiums and Bauer oversaw Eric Church’s The Outsiders World Tour. Together, Kate McMahon and Bauer guided the launch of George Strait’s upcoming Las Vegas Arena exclusive engagements, in which all eight shows are sellouts, including two shows in 2017.
Dugan began his career in the concert business in 1991 with Nederlander Concerts and soon began his relationship working with Louis Messina for PACE Concerts at the Starwood Amphitheatre outside Nashville. In 2004 he joined the Messina Group in Houston and has been involved in promoting the tours for Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Nickelback, Sugarland, Gretchen Wilson and Ed Sheeran while at TMG. In 2009 he became TMG’s point person for Taylor Swift’s Fearless Tour and continued that involvement on the 2011 Speak Now Tour, the 2013 RED Tour and the 2015 1989 World Tour. Taylor’s 1989 World Tour was the highest grossing tour in 2015, grossing over $250 million in tickets sales worldwide.
Rome McMahon has been working with Louis Messina for over 20 years, first at PACE Concerts, then SFX Entertainment, Clear Channel Entertainment and finally helping to form The Messina Group in 2001. The 2016 Kenny Chesney tour will mark his 13th tour with the performer. McMahon plays an integral role overseeing promoter duties as well as acting as Chesney’s tour accountant. McMahon has a hand in guiding many other office projects–including tours for Eric Church, George Strait and Ed Sheeran. Prior to touring with Chesney, he toured as a promoter rep with Aerosmith, The Dixie Chicks and The George Strait Country Music Festival.
Kate McMahon has worked with Louis Messina for 20 years and helped form The Messina Group in 2001. In that time, she has marketed the last 13 Kenny Chesney tours, played an integral role in marketing George Strait shows, from 1996 to present, including The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, the exclusive engagements in Las Vegas in 2016-17 and the George Strait Country Music Festivals from 1998-2001. She has been named one of Billboard’s Women of The Year three times. She oversees all country acts with the marketing department.
Winter was Director of Tour Marketing at Messina Touring Group for seven years, spearheading Taylor Swift’s tour marketing since her first sold-out headlining tour through her record-breaking sold-out 1989 World Tour. In 2014 she added Ed Sheeran to her list of clients, taking the helm of marketing for his first U.S. arena headlining tour as well as his North American tour in 2015. Winter has taken on the position of overseeing all pop artists within the marketing department as Messina Touring Group welcomes clients Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes.
Bauer’s career in the music industry spans more than two decades. Her experience at CMT, the William Morris Agency, and six years overseeing day-to-day management and touring operations for Asleep at the Wheel provided the groundwork needed to take on the management of Louis Messina and his office. She is also the promoter rep for the George Strait tour. Alongside Louis Messina and Kate McMahon, Bauer produced the final show on Strait’s The Cowboy Rides Away Tour in 2014 at AT&T Stadium. The show was the largest indoor concert in North American history. In 2010, MTG teamed up with Reba McEntire to promote her All the Woman I Am Tour that Bauer ran point on, and she currently manages Eric Church touring.