Gavin Adcock. Photo: Will Smith
Gavin Adcock took over The Pinnacle in Nashville for two sold-out nights on Friday (May 17) and Saturday (May 18), delivering a rowdy, high-octane performance that solidified his growing reputation as country music’s wild card.
Gavin Adcock with his 1 billion career streams plaque. Photo: Will Smith
The Georgia native has carved out a reputation as one of country’s most unpredictable rising acts, and the fans came out in full force. Before the first opener hit the stage, the floor was already packed with mostly 20-somethings, beers in hand and lyrics ready.
Erin Kinsey kicked things off with a confident, rock-leaning set that held its own against the rowdy energy of the room. Songs like “Wild,” “Matchmaker” and “Just Drive” connected easily with the crowd. She was followed by country/alt-rock band Fox N’ Vead, who, with a pair of lead vocalists, a dynamic bassist and a Robert Plant-channeling drummer, ripped through a set of originals and covers that had the crowd fired up.
By the time Adcock appeared, swaggering out in white-washed jeans, a brown button-down, leather vest, cowboy hat and a bottle of Jack Daniels in hand, the party was already in full swing. Cups of beer flew through the air as his booming voice cut through the noise and kicked off a setlist full of crowd-pleasers.
From rowdy anthems like “Run Your Mouth,” “Actin’ Up Again,” “On One” and “Past Actions,” to slower, more heartfelt moments with “Sober,” “Need To,” “My Dear My Darlin” and the viral hit “A Cigarette,” Adcock showed depth beneath the party-boy image. For “A Cigarette,” he was joined by songwriter Brent Cobb for a standout moment of the night.
Gavin Adcock & Brent Cobb. Photo: Will Smith
Adcock connected with fans between songs, often telling stories about his time in Georgia and sharing the origins of his music. Before performing “Never Call Again,” which he noted will be his debut country radio single, he dedicated it “to the beautiful women in the crowd,” though it was clear the boys were singing along just as loud.
The set included a gritty cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Dinosaur” and a surprise appearance from Tracy Lawrence, who joined Adcock onstage for a rousing duet of “Time Marches On,” sending the crowd into a frenzy.
By the end of the night, Adcock was shirtless, sweaty and smiling at peak party-boy form. Whether you’re bought into the Gavin Adcock mythos or just there for the music, there was no denying the electricity in the room or the loyalty of his fan base. With the momentum he’s building, it’s only a matter of time before he outgrows The Pinnacle, and fans will be right there with him when he does.
Gavin Adcock & Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Will Smith
Katie Cecil Signs With Electric Feel
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, top row): John Bradley (Country A&R – Electric Feel) and Austin Rosen (CEO & Founder – Electric Feel). (L-R, bottom row): Chandler Nicole Sherrill (Senior Director, Creative- Electric Feel), Katie Cecil and Joel Timen (Perspective Music Group). Photo: Courtesy of Electric Feel
Songwriter, vocalist and vocal producer Katie Cecil has inked with Electric Feel Entertainment on their Nashville roster.
Cecil has written across genres, with cuts including Lanie Gardner’s “Buzzkill,” Chandler Leighton’s “Monster,” Mod Sun’s “Battle Scars,” Shaylen’s “Do It Right The First Time,” Gareth’s “What You Don’t Know” and 408’s “We Don’t Get High Like We Used To.” Her additional collaborations include tracks from Caleb Hearn, Austin Mahone, Dalton Dover, Knox, Lakeview, Big Time Rush, Michael Clifford (5 Seconds of Summer) and more.
“I’m so excited to be working with Electric Feel!” says Cecil. “As a multi-genre writer, I’m thrilled to have found a team who supports a diverse approach to music and has built such an incredible creative community. I was first drawn to EF through collaborating with their talented roster and can’t believe I get to be a part of this family. A huge thank you to my manager, Joel Timen, for facilitating this partnership; my attorney, Matt Cottingham, for making the deal happen; and to John [Bradley], Chandler [Nicole Sherril], Austin [Rosen] and the entire Electric Feel team for welcoming me with open arms. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to grow as a songwriter alongside some of my favorite people!”
Through her production work, Cecil has also worked with Zach Crowell, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins, Nick Bailey and Chris Ganoudis, among others.
“Katie’s a total rockstar,” shares Bradley, Country A&R, Electric Feel Entertainment. “From discovering talent early on to writing with the best in the game, she brings unmatched energy and a fresh, genre-spanning perspective. I couldn’t be more proud to have her as the first female writer to join the EF Nashville roster.”
Cecil was also a part of the band KSM, before releasing a solo project, Wayfarers. The solo album earned TV, film and ad sync placements.
Chris Tomlin Slates Fall Tour
/by Lauryn SinkChris Tomlin is set to hit the road on the “An Evening of Worship With Chris Tomlin Tour,” kicking off Sept. 17 in Buffalo. The tour will visit 20 churches across the country with stops in Richmond, Fort Myers, and more before wrapping in Oklahoma City, in November.
“Worship is transformational when experienced together–there is nothing like the people of God, singing the praises of God, in the presence of God,” says Tomlin. “These nights of worship are different from any other night of music—your soul is singing to a living God.”
The Grammy award winner will be joined by and will introduce The Heritage for their inaugural tour. The collective of worship leaders, brought together under the leadership of Joshua Phillips, blends the timeless nature of worship music with the creativity of a fresh, innovative spirit.
The tour comes on the heels of his upcoming “Worship Under The Stars” concert series being held in three outdoor venues, Central Park in New York City (July 11), Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore (July 12) and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Colorado (Oct. 21).
“An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin Tour” Dates:
Sept. 17- Buffalo, NY- Eastern Hills Church
Sept. 18- South Portland, ME- Eastpoint Christian Church
Sept. 20- Richmond, VA- Liberation Church
Sept. 26- Cincinnati, OH- Crossroads Church East Side
Sept. 28- Fort Wayne, IN- Blackhawk Ministries
Oct. 1- Warner Robins, GA- Second Baptist Church
Oct. 2- Fort Myers, FL- First Assembly of God
Oct. 3- Jacksonville, FL- Westside Baptist Church
Oct. 4- New Bern, NC- Temple Church
Oct. 8- Peoria, IL- Prairie Home Alliance Theater
Oct. 9- Chattanooga, TN- Abba’s House
Oct. 23- Redding, CA- Redding Civic Auditorium
Oct. 24- Portland, OR- Rolling Hills Community Church
Oct. 28- San Jose, CA- Cathedral of Faith
Oct. 29- Bakersfield, CA- Dignity Health Theater
Oct. 30- Tucson, AZ- Zion City Church
Nov. 5- Midland, TX- Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
Nov. 6- Austin, TX- Austin Ridge Bible Church
Nov. 7- Jackson, MS- Word of Life Church
Nov. 8- Oklahoma City, OK- First Southern Baptist Church
Gavin Adcock Brings The Ruckus To Back-To-Back Sold-Out Shows At The Pinnacle
/by LB CantrellGavin Adcock. Photo: Will Smith
Gavin Adcock took over The Pinnacle in Nashville for two sold-out nights on Friday (May 17) and Saturday (May 18), delivering a rowdy, high-octane performance that solidified his growing reputation as country music’s wild card.
Gavin Adcock with his 1 billion career streams plaque. Photo: Will Smith
The Georgia native has carved out a reputation as one of country’s most unpredictable rising acts, and the fans came out in full force. Before the first opener hit the stage, the floor was already packed with mostly 20-somethings, beers in hand and lyrics ready.
Erin Kinsey kicked things off with a confident, rock-leaning set that held its own against the rowdy energy of the room. Songs like “Wild,” “Matchmaker” and “Just Drive” connected easily with the crowd. She was followed by country/alt-rock band Fox N’ Vead, who, with a pair of lead vocalists, a dynamic bassist and a Robert Plant-channeling drummer, ripped through a set of originals and covers that had the crowd fired up.
By the time Adcock appeared, swaggering out in white-washed jeans, a brown button-down, leather vest, cowboy hat and a bottle of Jack Daniels in hand, the party was already in full swing. Cups of beer flew through the air as his booming voice cut through the noise and kicked off a setlist full of crowd-pleasers.
From rowdy anthems like “Run Your Mouth,” “Actin’ Up Again,” “On One” and “Past Actions,” to slower, more heartfelt moments with “Sober,” “Need To,” “My Dear My Darlin” and the viral hit “A Cigarette,” Adcock showed depth beneath the party-boy image. For “A Cigarette,” he was joined by songwriter Brent Cobb for a standout moment of the night.
Gavin Adcock & Brent Cobb. Photo: Will Smith
Adcock connected with fans between songs, often telling stories about his time in Georgia and sharing the origins of his music. Before performing “Never Call Again,” which he noted will be his debut country radio single, he dedicated it “to the beautiful women in the crowd,” though it was clear the boys were singing along just as loud.
The set included a gritty cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Dinosaur” and a surprise appearance from Tracy Lawrence, who joined Adcock onstage for a rousing duet of “Time Marches On,” sending the crowd into a frenzy.
By the end of the night, Adcock was shirtless, sweaty and smiling at peak party-boy form. Whether you’re bought into the Gavin Adcock mythos or just there for the music, there was no denying the electricity in the room or the loyalty of his fan base. With the momentum he’s building, it’s only a matter of time before he outgrows The Pinnacle, and fans will be right there with him when he does.
Gavin Adcock & Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Will Smith
Lynn Anderson Clothing And Estate Sale Set For May 31 And June 1
/by Lauryn SinkLynn Anderson.
A clothing and estate sale honoring the legacy of Lynn Anderson will be held on May 31 and June 1 at the Nashville residence of Lisa Sutton, Anderson’s daughter.
Among the items for sale are Anderson’s clothes, including notable pieces from Manuel, head designer of Nudie’s handmade rodeo wear. These include outfits worn during performances at the CMA Awards, The Grand Ole Opry and her regular performances on The Lawrence Welk Show, as well as performances with artists such as Mac Davis and Brenda Lee.
The address will be provided upon RSVP to gdavidson@icon-publicity.com. For questions, contact Icon PR.
Dylan Gossett Plots ‘The Westward Tour’
/by Madison HahnenDylan Gossett. Photo: Tanner Johnson
Dylan Gossett will head out on the road this fall for “The Westward Tour,” kicking off Sept. 11.
Gossett will hit cities such as Birmingham, Indianapolis, Kansas City and more on the 25+ date trek before wrapping up in Las Vegas on Dec. 6. Kingfishr, Drayton Farley, Willow Avalon, James Tucker and Buffalo Traffic Jam will join as rotating support.
The tour is named after his debut album, Westward, releasing July 18. The 17 track project was written and self-produced by Gossett, and features already released tracks “American Trail” and “Like I Do.” Throughout the album, Gossett sings about love, family, faith and chasing dreams.
Alongside “The Westward Tour,” Gossett is also in the midst of finishing his headline “The Back 40 Tour,” before he heads into his “The American Trail Tour” this July, He will also make festival appearances at Windy City Smokeout, Bourbon & Beyond, Austin City Limits and more throughout the year.
Tickets for “The Westward Tour” are available beginning today (May 19) via an artist presale, with general on-sale taking place May 22 at 10 a.m. local time here.
“The Westward Tour” Dates:
September 11 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
September 14 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
September 17 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium
September 18 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
September 20 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
September 22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
September 25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
September 26 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
September 27 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
October 16 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
October 17 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
October 18 – Richmond, VA – Brown’s Island (PGA)
October 21 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora
October 23 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
October 25 – Toronto, ON – History
October 27 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
October 29 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
October 30 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
November 1 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
November 2 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
November 9 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
November 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell @ The Complex
November 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
November 14 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
November 16 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
December 6 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels
Artist Action: Morgan Wallen, Kelsea Ballerini, Tucker Wetmore, More
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen Releases New Album; Breaks Streaming Records
Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen released his fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, on Friday (May 16).
The album broke the record for most streamed country record in its first day on Amazon Music and biggest country album of 2025 by first-day streams worldwide on Apple Music.
Fans can listen to a track-by-track listening experience of I’m The Problem on Amazon Music to hear Wallen discuss the inspiration behind his songs and collaborations. He also sat down with Apple Music’s Kelleigh Bannen on Today’s Country Radio, before joining New Music Daily Radio with Zane Lowe, to discuss the release.
Kelsea Ballerini Teams Up With SoFi And tnAchieves
Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Jack Strutz
Kelsea Ballerini has teamed up with SoFi and tnAchieves to launch the Rising Stars Program. This $2 million initiative is aimed at helping the next generation of Tennessee students achieve financial independence. SoFi will provide tnAchieves with over $500,000 in grants to expand its “Complete” program for students across Tennessee to help them meet college enrollment requirements and successfully earn a college credential, from 1:1 coaching to financial assistance for food, housing, laptops, textbooks and emergency funds. SoFi will also equip all tnAchieves students with a financial planning curriculum covering topics like budgeting, investing and saving for future life milestones.
In addition, SoFi is offering every Tennessee resident between 18-24 the opportunity to receive a minimum of $5 in stock of their choosing, at no cost, with a chance to receive up to $1,000 in stock.
Tucker Wetmore Shatters Records With Debut Album ‘What Not To’
Tucker Wetmore’s debut album, What Not To, debuted at the No. 15 spot on Billboard’s all-genre 200 Albums chart as Wetmore cracks over one billion total global streams across his catalog. Following the album’s release on April 25, Wetmore just dropped the official music video for his lead single, “3,2,1.”
Wetmore will make his Ryman debut this Wednesday (May 21) just ahead of joining Thomas Rhett as support on on the “Better In Boots Tour” this summer.
Lily Rose Teams With Stem For ‘Keys For A Cause’
Pictured (L-R): Stem’s Alison Junker, Lily Rose, Stem’s Courtney Daly. Photo: Dylan McGraw
On May 7 country artist Lily Rose teamed up with music distributor Stem to bring Keys for a Cause to Frisco, Texas. The event, held at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, saw the music industry and artists coming together to raise money for ACM Lifting Lives ahead of the 60th annual ACM Awards.
Musicians On Call Host Third Annual Concert For Caregivers
Concert For Caregivers. Photo: Heather Durham Photography
In celebration of National Hospital Week, Musicans On Call (MOC) hosted its third annual Concert for Caregivers. The private concert for Middle Tennessee caregivers featured performances from Charles Esten, Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann.
A live recording of the experience was distributed this week to healthcare workers across the nation who weren’t present as a gesture of appreciation from MOC.
Billboard Country Live To Bring Exclusive Showcase Concert To Category 10
/by Lorie HollabaughBillboard will host “Billboard Country Live at Category 10″ June 5–6, spotlighting some of country’s brightest rising stars and top industry tastemakers.
The event will kick off on June 4 with an exclusive gathering on the rooftop of Category 10 honoring Billboard’s Country Power Players, honoring the most influential figures shaping the genre.
A showcase concert presented by Bud Light will take place on June 5 featuring performances by Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Drew Baldridge, Max McNown and Reyna Roberts.
The celebration will extend into June 6 with “Country on the Rise,” a second night of music spotlighting the future stars of the genre, with the lineup to be announced in the coming weeks.
Larry Fleet Extends ‘Hard Work & Holy Water Tour’ Into Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughLarry Fleet is extending his headlining “Hard Work & Holy Water Tour” through the fall, adding 25 new U.S. dates to an already announced international run.
Following up a summer of sold-out shows, Fleet will head to Scotland, the U.K., Belgium and the Netherlands, before returning stateside for shows in Des Moines, Louisville, Gainesville, Cleveland, San Antonio, Phoenix, Sacramento and more.
The tour will give fans a double dose of the hit maker, as he serves as his own opening act for the majority of the run, delivering a rare acoustic performance to start the show before returning for his full-band set. The Kruse Brothers will open select West Coast shows on the run, with the tour wrapping December 12 in Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale now.
The tour news follows Fleet’s recent release “A Lotta Women,” which is dedicated to his wife and tributes the unique relationship challenges facing all touring artists.
Musicares To Host 2nd Annual Mindful May Mental Health & Wellness Event
/by Lorie HollabaughMusiCares will host its second annual Mindful May event, in collaboration with Sweetwater, this Wednesday (May 21) from 12-4 p.m. at Riverside Revival in Nashville.
Mindful May offers a restorative experience to support the mental, physical and emotional needs of music professionals during Mental Health Awareness Month. Following the overwhelming response to last year’s inaugural gathering in Los Angeles, MusiCares and Sweetwater are bringing the event to Nashville.
“Mindful May was created to meet people where they are and give them mental health tools they can carry into everyday life,” says Marshai Iverson, Managing Director of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery at MusiCares and curator of the event. “Traditional therapy isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Especially in the music industry, where the pace is relentless and the pressure never lets up, it’s crucial to offer support in ways that truly resonate with creatives. Every element of Mindful May has been intentionally curated to provide accessible, meaningful ways for artists and industry professionals to care for their mental and physical health.”
The event gives music professionals a chance to check in with themselves and discover new ways to care for their minds and bodies. Mindful May provides an intentional space to explore how mindfulness practices can contribute to long-term health, and this year’s event will feature immersive wellness experiences including a group sound bath, yoga, massage therapy, holistic chiropractic services, mental health providers, custom ear mold fittings, a guided tea ceremony, a meditation station and nourishing refreshments.
Guests will also be invited to attend a panel conversation with a lineup of music professionals and experts sharing their personal stories about navigating mental health, touring, creative pressure, and healing. The discussion will be led by moderator Candress Suber of MusiCares and panelists will include psychologist Dave Verhaagen and artists Drake White and Grace Bowers. They will offer honest, lived-in perspectives on the often-unseen tolls of life in music, along with the practices that help these artists stay grounded, resilient, and connected to themselves and their communities.
“We were so moved by the response to last year’s Mindful May event, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Nashville this year,” says Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “Mindful May reflects what we believe at our core – that caring for music professionals requires more than just one-size-fits-all solutions. It takes a holistic approach that acknowledges the complexity of their lives and meets them with dignity, empathy and real tools for wellness. We’re proud to grow this effort alongside Sweetwater and offer a moment of healing for the community that gives so much to all of us.”
“Mindful May amplifies the important role that our industry can play in supporting music makers’ mental health and overall well-being,” adds Sweetwater CEO Mike Clem. “We serve with heart and strive to care for musicians throughout their journey – and MusiCares shares that commitment.”
Belmont University To Launch Two New Master of Arts Programs This Fall
/by Lauryn SinkBest of the best showcase at Belmont University. Photo: Matt Willoughby
Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business has announced its Master of Arts in media and entertainment industries program, which will launch this fall. The one-year hybrid program offers two specialized concentrations, content creation and music business. Applications are open now with GRE requirements waived for the first two years. Prospective students typically hold undergraduate degrees in fields such as media, communications, music, business, creative arts, entertainment or audio and recording arts.
“This program is intentionally designed for both working professionals looking to sharpen their skills and individuals seeking to break into the media and entertainment industries.” says Dr. Stephen Rush, Assistant Professor and Chair of Media & Entertainment Industries. “Whether someone is upskilling within their current role or coming from a field like English or communications, we provide the industry exposure, creative tools and real-world experiences they need to thrive in media and entertainment. By combining flexibility with access to Nashville’s creative network, this program equips students to step confidently into the industry.”
The 30-credit program combines core coursework in media theory, digital branding, marketing, leadership and media law with specialized concentration courses. The content creation track focuses on data visualization, podcasting and video production, while the music business track covers artist management, music licensing, contracts and strategic management.
“Launching the M.A. in media and entertainment industries reinforces Belmont’s established reputation as the premier destination for entertainment education,” adds Brittany Schaffer, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. “This program responds to a growing need for professionals who can think creatively and strategically across the media landscape. By combining Nashville’s status as a global entertainment hub with our strong industry connections, we’re opening doors for the next generation of creative leaders.”