Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal. Photo: David McClister
Country music gets folkie this week in DISClaimer.
Crowe Boys, Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, Dylan Gossett and Hailey Whitters lead an acoustic-music parade that also includes our Disc of the Day winners Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal (with an assist from Ruby Amanfu).
For those of you wishing for mainstream country sounds, look no further than the new releases by Midland, Dierks Bentley and Sacha.
Kaitlin Butts stages her debut in the column via her duet with Tyler Braden. She shares a DISCovery Award with fellow newcomer Alexandra Kay.
HAILEY WHITTERS & CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN / “I Don’t Want You”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hailey Whitters/Jon Nite; Producer: Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records
– They are both fine country singers, but neither one sings harmony. As usual, she is a heart-piercing stylist, and this is her show all the way. The dobro-dominated track is simply lovely. Whitters will celebrate the release of her new Corn Queen album at Grimey’s on June 6.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “Standing in the Sun”
Writer: Kyle Sturrock; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Stirring, radiant and deeply involving. The well-written song draws on vivid weather imagery to portray love and devotion, and Bentley sings it with a full heart.
TAMI NELSON, ASHLEY McBRYDE & SHELLY FAIRCHILD / “Borrow My Boots”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Shelly Fairchild/Tami Neilson; Producer: Steven Schram; Label: Outside Music
– This rousing, female-empowerment number is a trio-harmony blast. Guitar prodigy Grace Bowers contributes a blistering solo that amps up the already ample energy.
CLAY WALKER / “Cowboys in Heaven”
Writers: Clay Walker/Jaron Boyer/John Stephens/Matt Gorman; Producers: Jaron Boyer, Tony Brown; Label: Maven Records
– A simple sentiment, simply performed.
TYLER BRADEN & KAITLIN BUTTS / “Might Be Dangerous”
Writers: Heath Warren/Kyle Sturrock/Micah Carpenter/Zach Kale; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– There aren’t many singers who can stand toe to toe with the superb Braden. Butts is up to the challenge, with open-throated harmonizing and expressive solo turns. This duet performance is loaded with fire and passion. By all means, play this.
KEB’ MO’ & TAJ MAHAL & RUBY AMANFU / “Room on the Porch”
Writers: Ahmen Mahal/Henry St Claire Fredericks, Jr./Kevin R. Moore/Ruby Amanfu; Producers: Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal; Label: Concord Records
– This is the title tune of the second TajMo collaborative album. The gifted Nashville diva Ruby Amanfu is their guest vocalist on the rolling, swaying, relaxing, welcoming, sweet-sounding, acoustic outing that celebrates friendship and community. This is absolutely essential listening. The Grammy winning blues masters are booked to appear on the Opry tomorrow (May 23), which is also their album-release day. I bet they’ll bring the house down.
GRAHAM BARHAM / “WTH Just Happened?”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Gabe Foust, Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The broken-hearted ballad verses abruptly contrast with the loud, rollicking, goofball choruses. Weird but charming.
RHIANNON GIDDENS & JUSTIN ROBINSON / “Going to Raleigh”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Joseph “joebass” DeJarnette, Rhiannon Giddens; Label: Nonesuch
– Giddens returns to her string-band roots with the new collection, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, a reunion with Robinson, her former Carolina Chocolate Drops partner. The album features him fiddling and her banjo frailing on a number of old-time tunes, including this mesmerizing 1939 instrumental oldie. Rootsy and righteous.
CROWE BOYS / “Brother Song”
Writer: Ocie Crowe; Producer: Andrew Campanelli; Label: MCA
– Brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe croon gently on this poetic, acoustic, vulnerable meditation. It’s an advance track from their album Made to Wander, which drops next month. Promising.
MIDLAND / “Glass Half Empty”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jeff Hyde/Jess Carson/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is a rhythm-happy, barroom honky tonker that’s Country with a capital “C.” Big fun in every groove.
SACHA / “Nice Girl”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski/Sacha Visagie/Victoria Banks; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Sony Music Canada
– ‘If you wanna pave a road, gotta get down in the dirt/If you wanna make your mark, gotta hit ‘em where it hurts.’ Also: Kiss that “nice girl” image goodbye. This lively bopper scores points on all fronts — saucy vocal, cool production, dandy lyrics. Sacha is a solid country star in Canada, and I see no reason why she shouldn’t be one in the U.S. as well.
ALEXANDRA KAY / “The Last”
Writers: Alexandra Kay/Andrew DeRoberts/Jon Green; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– Lovely, lovely work. Her soprano tickles the ears, and the songwriting is topnotch. He might not be her first lover, but she sure as heck wants him to be her last. The sweetly rolling production wafts the whole thing along. A delightful listening experience.
DYLAN GOSSETT / “American Trail”
Writers: Colton Forrest Hardy/Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records
– Kinda artsy. Acoustic-based, troubadour music with a folkie tinge.
Tucker Wetmore Makes Triumphant Ryman Debut
/by Madison HahnenTucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
A sold-out Ryman Auditorium fell into a roar of cheers Wednesday night (May 21) as the lights dimmed, setting the stage for a career-defining night for country newcomer Tucker Wetmore. In his first-ever Nashville headline show, Wetmore delivered a heartfelt, high-energy performance.
As the opening sequence flashed a old film mock-up titled “The Ryman Presents: Tucker Wetmore,” fans knew they were in for a night that was uniquely his. Launching into “Break First” and “Already Had It,” Wetmore commanded the stage with confidence. “We’re at the freaking Ryman! This is absolutely insane,” he shouted between songs, visibly emotional as the crowd echoed his excitement.
“Silverado Blue” turned into a sea of swaying arms, while the live debut of “Give Her the World” offered a tender moment of vulnerability. When opener Jacob Hackworth joined Wetmore onstage for their co-written hit “Wine Into Whiskey,” the crowd took over the chorus, singing back every word.
Moments of spectacle, like climbing the stage platform for “Bad Habit,” balanced with intimate ones, such as sitting on the steps to deliver “Mister Miss Her.” He ended “Casino” with a powerful a cappella finish that left the room in reverent silence before bursting into applause.
Gavin DeGraw & Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
One of the most memorable stretches came during a stripped-down piano medley. “Piano was my first love,” Wetmore said, taking a seat at the keys. “So far, it’s been my only one. I wanted to play a part of my set where I just sit here and play the piano like I’m 10 years old again sitting in my living room playing for the fly on the wall.” The medley was a tour de force with a Beethoven score, a crowd-led intro to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a wild spin through Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire,” and a soulful take on Lionel Riche’s “Easy (Like Sunday Morning).” That transitioned into Wetmore’s “What Not To,” with the room glowing in cell phone lights.
Tucker Wetmore & his team during his plaque presentation. Photo: Chase Foster
“This is why I do music,” he told the crowd. “I know you guys come to shows to let all your worries out the door and just let loose.” That led into his rising radio single “3,2,1” and the introspective “What Would You Do?”
A surprise mini-cover set brought extra fire when a gritty version of “I Don’t Want to Be” saw Gavin DeGraw himself take the stage, followed by rowdy renditions of Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” and Hank Williams Jr.’s “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,” bringing the house to its feet.
As the night wound down, Wetmore took a moment to speak directly to the crowd. “Music set aside, just me and you right now, thank you for making my dreams come true every single day,” he said through tears, sharing how he moved to Nashville five years ago with a handful of songs and a dream, and a mom who never stopped believing in him. He held up plaques awarded earlier in the evening, honoring his 1 billion global career streams, as well as “Wind Up Missin’ You” achieving RIAA 2x Platinum certification.
He closed with a crowd-pleasing duo including his first No. 1 radio single “Wind Up Missin’ You” and the catchy, fan favorite “Brunette.”
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Industry Ink: Recording Academy, Grand Ole Opry, Locash, CMA Fest, More
/by Lauryn SinkRecording Academy Hosts Annual Nashville Chapter Block Party
Jon Pardi. Photo: Ed Rode
Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Voting and Professional members enjoyed food, drinks and performances by 2’Live Bre, Jon Pardi, MŌRIAH and Stephen Day at the 24th annual Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Block Party at 6th & Peabody.
Grand Ole Opry Honors U.S. Army With ‘Salute The Troops’ Show
Photo: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry, celebrating its 100th anniversary, honored the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with a red carpet parade and a special Salute the Troops Opry performance on May 20. Among the artists who performed were Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as a Warrant Officer in the Army Reserve; John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, Steven Curtis Chapman, Rhonda Vincent, Tony Jackson, Scotty Hasting, Sal Gonzalez, the 100th Army Band and more. The Opry welcomed the 101st Airborne Division Commanding General, Major General Brett Sylvia as its special guest.
Portions of the show will air as a special Opry Live on Memorial Day weekend (May 24) on the Opry Facebook and YouTube channels, on the Circle Now app and via Circle Country digital streaming partners at 8 p.m. CT.
Locash Performs ‘Hometown Home’ On ‘Live With Kelly And Mark’
(Pictured L-R): Kelly Ripa (Live With Kelly & Mark), Chris Lucas (Locash), Preston Brust (Locash), Mark Consuelos (Live With Kelly & Mark). Photo: Lorenzo Bevilaqua
Locash, comprised of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, performed their multi-week No. 1, “Hometown Home,” on Live with Kelly & Mark on Monday (May 19). After the performance, Kelly Ripa of Live with Kelly & Mark presented Brust and Lucas with a Billboard plaque to celebrate their two-week run at No. 1 with “Hometown Home.”
The duo’s latest single, “Wrong Hearts,” is among the most added songs at country radio this week. Launching with 71 stations spinning the record nationwide, this marks the biggest add-date of their career.
‘Fitness At Fest’ Returns To CMA Fest
CMA Fest has announced the return of “Fitness At Fest,” an opportunity for fans to attend two high-energy fitness sessions at the Good Molecules Reverb Stage on Bridgestone Arena Plaza, happening June 6 and 7.
Fitness at Fest kicks off on Friday (June 6) with Peloton Instructor Callie Gullickson, joined by actor, singer and Big Time Rush member James Maslow and country singer Tayler Holder. On Saturday, celebrity trainer Erin Oprea returns for her fifth year, teaming up with Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker and influencer Kaitlyn Bristowe to keep the energy going.
Fitness at Fest requires a $18 registration fee, with all ticket proceeds donated to the CMA Foundation. Registration is available here.
Alexander Pappas Inks With Integrity Music
Pictured (L-R Back Row): Jason Jones, Stone Meyer, Holly Wehner, (L-R Front Row): Cole Flynn, Alexander Pappas, Gilbert Nanlohy
Worship leader and songwriter Alexander Pappas has inked with Integrity Music. As a founding member of the Grammy-nominated band Hillsong Young & Free, Pappas has a rich background in writing songs for the congregational setting like “Alive,” “Wake,” “Real Love” and “Echo” (Elevation Worship).
“My partnership with Integrity Music is aligned in faith and vision,” shares Pappas. “I’ve prayed for a partner to do ministry with, and I have full confidence that with that unity, He will indeed command a blessing. I pray with each song that a deeper or more profound revelation will surface, and the Spirit of God will be on the songs so they might reveal who He truly is.”
His first release via Integrity will be a bilingual deluxe single, “A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar,” which will be released on June 27.
Nashville Vans Hosts ‘No Strings Songwriter Showdown’
Nashville Vans has announced its No Strings Songwriter Showdown, a songwriting competition exclusively for unpublished and unsigned songwriters. The winner will take home a $1,000 grand prize.
Submissions are open now through June 14th and will be judged by a panel including Bryan Simpson, Matt Jenkins and Grady Smith.
Country Goes Global Returns June 7-8
/by Lorie HollabaughTaking place from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day at Category 10, the free event invites fans to experience a diverse lineup of country artists from around the world. Building on the success of its 2024 event at Chief’s on Broadway last June, Country Goes Global continues its mission to spotlight artists from around the world and promote the expansion of country music on an international scale. This year’s lineup will once again feature standout performers from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond.
In 2024, Country Goes Global welcomed a roster of artists including Casey Barnes, Hailey Benedict, Kristian Bush, Wesley Dean, Aaron Goodvin, Lane Pittman, Owen Riegling, Sacha, Sheppard, Alli Walker and more.
Organizers are currently finalizing the lineup and will announce full programming details soon. Artists can submit for consideration to perform here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal Celebrate Friendship & Community
/by Robert K OermannKeb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal. Photo: David McClister
Country music gets folkie this week in DISClaimer.
Crowe Boys, Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, Dylan Gossett and Hailey Whitters lead an acoustic-music parade that also includes our Disc of the Day winners Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal (with an assist from Ruby Amanfu).
For those of you wishing for mainstream country sounds, look no further than the new releases by Midland, Dierks Bentley and Sacha.
Kaitlin Butts stages her debut in the column via her duet with Tyler Braden. She shares a DISCovery Award with fellow newcomer Alexandra Kay.
HAILEY WHITTERS & CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN / “I Don’t Want You”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hailey Whitters/Jon Nite; Producer: Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records
– They are both fine country singers, but neither one sings harmony. As usual, she is a heart-piercing stylist, and this is her show all the way. The dobro-dominated track is simply lovely. Whitters will celebrate the release of her new Corn Queen album at Grimey’s on June 6.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “Standing in the Sun”
Writer: Kyle Sturrock; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Stirring, radiant and deeply involving. The well-written song draws on vivid weather imagery to portray love and devotion, and Bentley sings it with a full heart.
TAMI NELSON, ASHLEY McBRYDE & SHELLY FAIRCHILD / “Borrow My Boots”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Shelly Fairchild/Tami Neilson; Producer: Steven Schram; Label: Outside Music
– This rousing, female-empowerment number is a trio-harmony blast. Guitar prodigy Grace Bowers contributes a blistering solo that amps up the already ample energy.
CLAY WALKER / “Cowboys in Heaven”
Writers: Clay Walker/Jaron Boyer/John Stephens/Matt Gorman; Producers: Jaron Boyer, Tony Brown; Label: Maven Records
– A simple sentiment, simply performed.
TYLER BRADEN & KAITLIN BUTTS / “Might Be Dangerous”
Writers: Heath Warren/Kyle Sturrock/Micah Carpenter/Zach Kale; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– There aren’t many singers who can stand toe to toe with the superb Braden. Butts is up to the challenge, with open-throated harmonizing and expressive solo turns. This duet performance is loaded with fire and passion. By all means, play this.
KEB’ MO’ & TAJ MAHAL & RUBY AMANFU / “Room on the Porch”
Writers: Ahmen Mahal/Henry St Claire Fredericks, Jr./Kevin R. Moore/Ruby Amanfu; Producers: Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal; Label: Concord Records
– This is the title tune of the second TajMo collaborative album. The gifted Nashville diva Ruby Amanfu is their guest vocalist on the rolling, swaying, relaxing, welcoming, sweet-sounding, acoustic outing that celebrates friendship and community. This is absolutely essential listening. The Grammy winning blues masters are booked to appear on the Opry tomorrow (May 23), which is also their album-release day. I bet they’ll bring the house down.
GRAHAM BARHAM / “WTH Just Happened?”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Gabe Foust, Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The broken-hearted ballad verses abruptly contrast with the loud, rollicking, goofball choruses. Weird but charming.
RHIANNON GIDDENS & JUSTIN ROBINSON / “Going to Raleigh”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Joseph “joebass” DeJarnette, Rhiannon Giddens; Label: Nonesuch
– Giddens returns to her string-band roots with the new collection, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, a reunion with Robinson, her former Carolina Chocolate Drops partner. The album features him fiddling and her banjo frailing on a number of old-time tunes, including this mesmerizing 1939 instrumental oldie. Rootsy and righteous.
CROWE BOYS / “Brother Song”
Writer: Ocie Crowe; Producer: Andrew Campanelli; Label: MCA
– Brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe croon gently on this poetic, acoustic, vulnerable meditation. It’s an advance track from their album Made to Wander, which drops next month. Promising.
MIDLAND / “Glass Half Empty”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jeff Hyde/Jess Carson/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is a rhythm-happy, barroom honky tonker that’s Country with a capital “C.” Big fun in every groove.
SACHA / “Nice Girl”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski/Sacha Visagie/Victoria Banks; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Sony Music Canada
– ‘If you wanna pave a road, gotta get down in the dirt/If you wanna make your mark, gotta hit ‘em where it hurts.’ Also: Kiss that “nice girl” image goodbye. This lively bopper scores points on all fronts — saucy vocal, cool production, dandy lyrics. Sacha is a solid country star in Canada, and I see no reason why she shouldn’t be one in the U.S. as well.
ALEXANDRA KAY / “The Last”
Writers: Alexandra Kay/Andrew DeRoberts/Jon Green; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– Lovely, lovely work. Her soprano tickles the ears, and the songwriting is topnotch. He might not be her first lover, but she sure as heck wants him to be her last. The sweetly rolling production wafts the whole thing along. A delightful listening experience.
DYLAN GOSSETT / “American Trail”
Writers: Colton Forrest Hardy/Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records
– Kinda artsy. Acoustic-based, troubadour music with a folkie tinge.
CAA To Takeover Whiskey Jam June 4
/by Lauryn SinkCAA is set to take over the Whiskey Jam stage on June 4 with performances from Warren Zeiders, 49 Winchester, Kolby Cooper, Carter Faith, Noah Rinker and Blake Whiten.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. at the Skydeck at Broadway, and is free for all 21+.
Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate Music City Rodeo With Special Opry Show
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating Music City Rodeo, Nashville’s first-ever PRCA Pro Rodeo, with a special Tuesday night rodeo-themed show on May 27. Vince Gill, Moe Bandy, Kaitlin Butts, Wyatt Flores, Marcus King, Lukas Nelson and Jenna Paulette are set to perform, with special appearances from PRCA rodeo athletes scheduled throughout the show.
More information and tickets are available here.
Martina McBride Appears Before Senate In Support Of ‘NO FAKES Act’
/by Lauryn SinkMartina McBride. Photo: Tasos Katopodis
On May 21, Martina McBride testified in support of the bipartisan NO FAKES Act introduced by Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law hearing. This legislation would create a new federal property right for every individual’s voice and likeness while also establishing guardrails for responsible innovation, protecting the First Amendment, and giving victims of invasive AI deepfakes and voice clones effective recourse. Nearly 400 prominent artists, actors and performers have publicly supported this act.
Photo: Tasos Katopodis
“It’s been a special honor to record songs that shine a light on the battles many women fight, especially the terrible cost of domestic violence,” shared McBride. “Many fans have told me that the song “Independence Day” has given them strength and in some cases the song has been the catalyst that has made them realize they need to leave an abusive situation. Imagine the harm an AI deepfake could do breaching that trust, using my voice in songs that belittle or justify abuse. As an artist, a mother, a human being who cares about others, I am pleading with you to give me the tools to stop that kind of betrayal. Setting America on the right course to develop the world’s best AI while preserving the sacred qualities that make our country so special – authenticity, integrity, humanity and our endlessly inspiring spirit – that what the NO FAKES Act will help to accomplish.”
Photo: Tasos Katopodis
This approach to AI policy has notably earned support from the music industry, creative communities, child protection agencies, labor unions and tech companies including RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier, Consumer Reports Director of Technology Policy Justin Brookman, YouTube Head of Music Policy Suzana Carlos and National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) Senior Legal Counsel Christen Price who also participated in the hearing.
“[The NO FAKES Act] paves the way for genuine AI development and innovation, targeting only malicious applications and setting the stage for legitimate licensing of these rights, but only with real and meaningful consent. […] American music is the most valuable in the world. We lead in investment, exports and market power. Music drives the success of other important American industries, including the tech industry, through thriving partnerships,” said Glazier.
The NO FAKES Act is expected to next head for markup then a Senate floor vote.
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum To Offer Daily Family Programs This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is offering daily programs for families this summer along with free admission for local youth and discounted admission for up to two accompanying adults providing an opportunity for locals to explore the history of country music.
Family-friendly programs and activities include young explorer and sensory kits, scavenger hunts, coloring pages and gallery interactives. The museum will also offer drop-in programming and workshops for diverse family audiences throughout the week. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the museum’s website.
Between Memorial Day and August 10, increased daily programming and workshops for families will include:
Mondays, 10 a.m.-Noon – Family Program: Friendship Bracelets
Concertgoers everywhere are trading bracelets with fellow fans and their favorite artists to symbolize friendship and unity. Museum visitors can create their very own friendship bracelet, then trade creations with a friend. (All ages)
Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon – Family Program: Design Your Own Instrument
Participants can invent their very own instrument using everyday items and their creativity. (All ages)
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon – Musical Instrument Petting Zoo
Museum visitors can bow a fiddle, pluck a banjo and strum a ukulele. This program offers everyone a chance to try instruments that are new to them as well as those that are familiar. (All ages)
Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-Noon – Attendees will explore, discover and create arts and crafts related to museum artifacts and exhibitions in a drop-in setting.
June 23 – 28, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry
Marionettes, rod puppetry, shadow animation and an ever-changing stage-set tell the story of country music as it relates to Nashville’s transformation into Music City. Visitors will experience the story through nearly 100 puppets, which represent artists ranging from the Staple Singers to Johnny Cash to Taylor Swift.
Local youth 18 and under who are residents of Nashville-Davidson and bordering counties, including Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson always receive free admission, plus 25% off admission for up to two accompanying adults. Proof of residency is required. The museum is open daily from 9-5 p.m. Timed tickets are available for museum entry between 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., with a limited number of museum admission tickets available each day.
Lineup Revealed For 2025 Ryman & BMI Block Party
/by Lauryn SinkThe Ryman Auditorium and BMI have unveiled the lineup for the fourth annual Block Party, taking place June 5-7 at the outdoor stage on the PNC Plaza.
The free event will showcase 16 rising BMI affiliates including Josh Weathers, Grace Tyler, Wynn Williams and Tyler Braden on June 5. The June 6 lineup will feature Christian Yancey, Tyra Madison, Pynk Beard, Callie Twisselman, Kelsey Hart and Noah Rinker before Lovella, Tommy Acker, Callum Kerr, Cole Goodwin, Tyler Booth and Zach John King wrap up the event on June 7.
Photo opportunities, giveaways, food trucks and more will be available each day.
2025 Ryman and BMI Block Party Lineup:
Thursday, June 5
1:50 p.m. Josh Weathers
2:40 p.m. Grace Tyler
3:30 p.m. Wynn Williams
4:20 p.m. Tyler Braden
Friday, June 6
12:10 p.m. Christian Yancey
1:00 p.m. Tyra Madison
1:50 p.m. Pynk Beard
2:40 p.m. Callie Twisselman
3:30 p.m. Kelsey Hart
4:20 p.m. Noah Rinker
Saturday, June 7
12:10 p.m. Lovella
1:00 p.m. Tommy Acker
1:50 p.m. Callum Kerr
2:40 p.m. Cole Goodwin
3:30 p.m. Tyler Booth
4:20 p.m. Zach John King
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville Elevates Two
/by Madison HahnenAllan Geiger & Haley Wirthele
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville has promoted two staff members in its Content & Creative department. Allan Geiger has been upped to Senior Director of Content & Creative while Haley Wirthele has been elevated to Manager of Content & Creative. Both report to VP, Global Content & Creative Jen Morgan.
“Allan and Haley have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity and teamwork, always stepping up to take on new challenges and push projects to the next level,” says Morgan. “Their commitment to excellence not only elevates their own work but also inspires those around them. These promotions are a testament to their hard work, leadership and passion for what they do, and I look forward to seeing their continued impact on our team and the exciting projects ahead.”
Through his time at BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Geiger has worked on content and creative initiatives for Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Blake Shelton, among others. He also founded Artistnoize, a brand and website company to connect artists and fans. Before joining BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Geiger worked with Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw at Big Machine Label Group. He has also earned six Davey Awards, honoring his knack for artist branding.
In his new role, Geiger will continue to create key design needs, while also working with branding and creative strategy. He will collaborate more closely with artists and partners to create innovative solutions and expand creative vision.
After graduating from Belmont University in 2021, Wirthele joined BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville in 2023, and has helped craft and execute the creative vision of BMG’s mission of an artist-friendly company. In her new role, Wirthele will continue to support administrative responsibilities, and take on more creative projects.
“Jen has built a team of creative distinctiveness and excellence for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville,” adds JoJamie Hahr, EVP Recorded Music at BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. “They continue to raise the bar for our artists, and are incredible executives that elevate and further our mission.”