Craig Campbell & Bradley Gaskin To Play Kenny Campbell Foundation Benefit At Ryman

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The inaugural “Kenny Campbell Foundation Presents a Benefit Concert Featuring Craig Campbell & Bradley Gaskin” will take place July 24 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Tyler Farr, Michael Ray, Bryan White and Hailey Benedict will also perform at the event, and tickets are on sale now at ryman.com. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for $175 and include an exclusive two-song acoustic set performed by Campbell and Gaskin before doors open, a show poster and a photo with them on the Ryman stage. A guitar signed by all of the artists will also be auctioned to the highest bidder during the concert.

Campbell’s father died of colorectal cancer at age 36, and he started The Kenny Campbell Foundation in his honor to raise money and awareness. The 11th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge also benefits the Foundation and will be held in Nashville on June 3.

“I was talking to Bradley (Gaskin) about my dad and The Kenny Campbell Foundation, and we decided to call some friends and host a concert at the Ryman,” says Campbell. “There’s no better place for a concert in Nashville than at the Mother Church of Country Music. I think my dad would be proud.”

“When I hear ‘The Ryman,’ my honky-tonk bones rattle,” adds Gaskin. “It’s such a great place to sing and perform my favorite kind of traditional country music in my most favorite city—Nashville. And, I hope we raise all kinds of money in honor of Craig’s dad! Good times with great country music and helping others—that’s what we do!”

Kenny Chesney Kicks Off Sphere Residency

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Alive Coverage

Kenny Chesney kicked off his Las Vegas residency over the weekend at The Sphere.

Chesney kicked off the show with “Beer In Mexico,” a longtime fan-favorite. From the technicolor immersion of cell phones in an aquatic tank in “Welcome to the Fish Bowl,” a song Chesney wrote 15 years ago to take on the invasiveness of social media, to the multi-dimensional midway carnival of “Til It’s Gone” and the swirl of tiles featuring images from the “Noise” video, Chesney saw an audience dancing and clapping with stadium-sized abandon. Drawing on songs never performed live, including “One Lonely Island” and “Seven Days,” the show also creates an intimacy never before seen in Chesney’s massive stadium concerts.

Kelsea Ballerini & Kenny Chesney. Photo: Alive Coverage

“It’s overwhelming a little,” Chesney said, “beyond the visuals, which build and move, the fans are so close – even in the 400 section – that you’re consumed by all of it when you look up. But it makes you feel so alive to have everyone right there, rocking, singing and almost beyond being in the moment.”

The first night, Kelsea Ballerini surprised the crowd for performances of their No. 1 hit, “Half Of My Hometown,” “You & Tequila” and an impromptu duet of “She Thinks My Tractors Sexy.”

Grace Potter also arrived for the weekend shows, to perform the Grammy-nominated “You & Tequila” with Chesney.

There were also special guests attending the show inside the sphere, including Lainey Wilson, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell.

“Having friends stop by, having friends get up on stage,” Chesney says, “this is about creating a whole new experience for No Shoes Nation. Something that could only happen here – a venue built around this groundbreaking technology – I’m so grateful so many members of No Shoes Nation were willing to travel to the desert to experience this with us. It’s strange in the best way: the intensity, the immersion, the way songs come to life almost literally.”

Limited tickets are available for select remaining dates.

Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney & Grace Potter. Photo: Allister Ann

Chase Rice Extends ‘Go Down Singin’ International Tour’ Through November

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Chase Rice. Photo: Ben Christensen

Chase Rice has added 13 dates to his “Go Down Singin’ International Tour,” extending it into November. Tickets for the new tour dates will go on sale this Friday (May 30).

The extended tour will stop in Montana, California, Georgia and more before wrapping in Florida on Nov. 22. Hannah McFarland, McCoy Moore, Drake White and Charlie Worsham will join as support across various dates.

New “Go Down Singin’ International Tour” Dates:
September 5- Fargo, ND- UP District Festival Field (with Hannah McFarland)
September 6- West Des Moines, IA- Val Air Ballroom (with Hannah McFarland)
September 18- Missoula, MT- The Wilma (with McCoy Moore)
September 20- Billings, MT- The Pub Station Ballroom (with McCoy Moore)
September 25- Paso Robles, CA- Vina Robles Amp (with Hannah McFarland)
September 26- Anaheim, CA- House of Blues (with Hannah McFarland)
September 27- Modesto, CA- The Fruityard (with Drake White & Hannah McFarland)
October 2- Hampton Beach, NH- Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom (with McCoy Moore)
October 4- New Haven, CT- Toads (with McCoy Moore)
October 11- Hiawassee, GA- Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds (with McCoy Moore)
November 13- Minneapolis, MN- The Fillmore (with Charlie Worsham)
November 14- Sioux City, SD- Anthem at Hard Rock
November 22- Daytona Beach, FL- Peabody Auditorium (with McCoy Moore)

John Byron Jumps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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John Byron. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle.

John Byron has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter chart. Thomas Rhett’s “After All The Bars Are Closed” as well as Morgan Wallen’s “Just In Case,” “Love Somebody,” “Smile” and “Superman” all push the songwriter into the No. 8 spot this week.

Riley Green remains in his No. 1 spot with solo-penned “Worst Way.” Charlie Handsome stays at No. 2 with “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Had Some Help,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Love Somebody,” “Smile” and “Superman.”

Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest (No. 4) and Jessie Jo Dillon (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Lloyd Nicks Inks With Curb Records

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Lloyd Nicks.

Lloyd Nicks has inked with Curb Records. Nicks co-wrote Cece Winans’ “That’s My King,” which has won the BMI Gospel Trailblazers Award, Top Gospel Song at the Billboard Music Awards and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the Grammy Awards.

A St. Louis native, Nicks started going to church at 14, where he heard gospel music for the first time. He studied Classic Vocal Performance & Business Management at Greenville University, during which he taught music at a local high school. After graduation, Nicks started writing songs around the themes of hope, conviction and faith journeys.

“Family speaks to the reason why I chose to enter this relationship with the Curb Records team,” shares Nicks. “That’s at the center of who I am and who they’ve shown themselves to be for the past four years that I’ve known them. I’m excited about the songs that we’ll be sharing with people from all walks of life and seeing how Jesus can move through them in all of our common experiences.”

Producer, Songwriter Chuck Butler Signs With Red Street Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Red Street Records CEO Jay DeMarcus, Mike Craft, Chuck Butler, Red Street GM Alex Valentine and Jason McArthur

Producer, songwriter and composer Chuck Butler has signed with Red Street Publishing.

Hailing from Jackson, Tennessee, Butler began his career as an artist leading a CCM group called Justified followed by the band A Cross Between, earning both his first record deal and publishing contract with Benson Records and Brentwood-Benson Publishing. He’s since worked with artists like India.Arie, The Backstreet Boys, Nick Lachey, Toby Mac, Bethel Music, Kari Jobe, Mandisa, Sanctus Real, Tenth Avenue North and many more.

Butler’s work has been in film and TV in Glee, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Sister Wives, Extreme Makeover, What To Expect When You’re Expecting, NBC election coverage and major ad campaigns like Swarovski with his 2010 band The So Manys. He’s earned three Grammy wins for his contributions to Doe Jones’ “Heart Of A Human,” Toby Mac’s album, This Is Not A Test and Mandisa’s album Overcomer. 

He also holds six Dove Awards, multiple BMI awards and Platinum and Gold certifications for Tauren Wells’ “Hills and Valleys” and “Famous For (I Believe),” respectively. Butler also scored a Top 10 CCLI song with Maverick City Music & UPPERROOM’s “I Thank God,” which was also recorded by Housefires ft. JWLKRS Worship where it held a No. 1 spot on the Christian AC radio charts and was named the 2024 song of the year on the Mediabase Christian AC and Christian Impression charts.

“Signing Chuck Butler is a milestone moment for Red Street Publishing,” says Red Street’s Jason McArthur. “Chuck is a creative force, a rare talent, and a highly gifted songwriter and producer. His long list of accolades speak for themselves. We are so honored to be working with him and excited for what lies ahead.”

“I’m super excited to join the team at Red Street during a season where I’m ready to grow and stretch creatively,” says Butler. “This partnership marks a new chapter—one where I can build on what I’ve done, explore new ideas, pursue long-standing creative goals, and collaborate in ways that challenge and inspire me. I’m grateful to step into this next season with a team that truly values both the craft and the journey.”

SOURCE Nashville Celebrates 2025 Hall Of Fame Inductees At Luncheon

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Pictured (L-R): Pam Russell, Lori Badgett, Gina Keltner, Cheryl Harris, Mary Self and Kay West. Photo: Ed Rode

SOURCE Nashville hosted its bi-monthly luncheon at the Historic Columbia Studio A in Nashville on May 22 honoring this year’s SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame inductees.

The event was moderated by industry veteran Devon O’Day and served as a tribute to the accomplishments and lasting influence of the professionals who will be honored: Lori Badgett, Cheryl Harris, Gina Keltner, Pam Russell, Mary Self and Kay West. 

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards, which will be presented by Springer Mountain Farms and held at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium on Aug. 26. The annual awards inducts a select group of “Women Behind The Music.” Ticket information will be released in the coming weeks. 

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE Nashville is the longest running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville, and is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking and community service initiatives.

Dierks Bentley Launches ‘Broken Branches Fund’

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Dierks Bentley.

Dierks Bentley has launched the “Broken Branches Fund,” a multi-year commitment to provide mental health resources to the creative and touring communities. The Broken Branches Fund will be administered in partnership with Music Health Alliance (MHA) and will provide mental health grants for qualified candidates and their families to cover outpatient counseling, as well as a plan for follow-up care.

“Making this album and prepping for the tour, I’ve never been more aware of the sacrifice that the people in this town make every day to keep country music playing,” says Bentley. “Whether you’re sitting in a room all day trying to write the perfect hook or leaving home on a bus for weeks at a time, it can be isolating and exhausting. This just felt like the right opportunity to make a bigger commitment on my part to supporting those folks and their families in a more direct and intentional way.”

Fans will have the opportunity to donate during Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour” this summer or online here.

“Dierks was one of the first artists to believe in and support Music Health Alliance, and from day one, he’s led with both heart and action,” shares Tatum Allsep, Founder & CEO of Music Health Alliance. “Creating the Broken Branches Fund at MHA to support music’s mental health shows his deep commitment to the people who power our industry both on stage and off, and to their well-being for many years to come.”

Beyoncé, Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay Named 2025 AMA Winners

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Pictured (clockwise): Beyoncé, Post Malone, Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen

Last night (May 26), the American Music Awards took place in Las Vegas, hosted by Jennifer Lopez.

The award show featured five country awards. Beyoncé took home the award for Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album with Cowboy Carter. Post Malone took home Favorite Male Country Artist and shared the award for Favorite Country Song with Morgan Wallen for “I Had Some Help.” The award for Favorite Country Duo or Group went to Dan + Shay.

Billie Eilish took home all seven categories she was nominated for, including Artist of the Year, the top honor of the night. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars shared the awards for Favorite Music Video and collaboration of the year for “Die With a Smile” and each took home one of their own. SZA picked up two prizes for Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for “Saturn.”

A full list of winners is available here.

CeCe Winans Extends ‘More Than This Tour’

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Cece Winans. Photo: Terry Wyatt

CeCe Winans has added a stop in paradise to her sold-out “More Than This Tour.”

The 15-time Grammy winner will bring her live worship experience to Honolulu, Hawaii on Oct. 23 at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell. The “More Than This Tour” has already become the biggest of Winans’ career, and now, Hawaii fans will get the opportunity to experience this night of worship, inspiration and music under the stars.

“This tour has been such a powerful move of God night after night. I’m so thankful we get to keep it going,” says Winans. “The fact that I get to bring the tour to one of my favorite places in the world, Hawaii, is amazing. I cannot wait to worship together and lift high the name of Jesus with the island of Oahu and hopefully all of Hawaii.”

Tickets for the Honolulu show are on sale now at cecewinans.com.

Throughout her career Winans has been awarded 22 Dove Awards, 15 Stellar awards, has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Nashville Music City Walk of Fame, has been named a Trailblazer of Soul by BMI, and garnered multiple NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards, Essence Awards, and more. Winans’ most recent album, Believe For It has racked up over 325 million downloads and led to multiple award wins and her first solo tour in over 10 years.

“More Than This Tour” Dates: 
June 17- Belfast, United Kingdom
June 19- Rotterdam, Netherlands
June 22- West Bromwich, United Kingdom
June 23- West Bromwich, United Kingdom
July 14- Whitby, ON
July 15- Pointe-Gatineau, QC
July 16- Longueuil, QC
July 23- Kettering, OH
July 24- Shipshewana, IN
July 31- Port Of Spain, Trinidad And Tobago
Aug. 1- Kingston, Jamaica
Aug. 7- Kansas City, MO
Aug. 19- Randburg, South Africa
Aug. 22- Cape Town, South Africa
Aug. 26- Harare, Zimbabwe
Aug. 28- Kampala, Uganda
Aug. 30- Nairobi, Kenya
Sept. 15- Longview, TX
Sept. 28- Highland, CA
Oct. 23- Honolulu, HI