Anne Wilson. Photo: Sophia Mantinazad
Anne Wilson is extending “The Stars Tour” into fall with 25 additional dates across the country. Special guests Peter Burton and Aodhán King will join on select shows.
The new leg kicks off in Portland on Sept. 10 and includes stops in Colorado Springs, Kansas City, Virginia Beach, Birmingham, San Diego and more through Nov. 14. Pre-sale for the new dates has already begun, with general on-sale beginning May 15 at annewilsonofficial.com.
“God has moved in such powerful ways during ‘The Stars Tour’ this spring, and I’m beyond excited to announce that we’re headed back out this fall to keep it going,” shares Wilson. “These nights of worship, music and community have meant so much to me, and I truly feel like we’re just getting started. I cannot wait to see everyone this fall on ‘The Stars Tour!’”
Earlier this year, Wilson released a reimagined version of “Still Do” with Cole Swindell, offering a fresh take on a fan favorite from her album Stars. She is also set to perform as a nominee for Female Artist of the Year at this year’s K-LOVE Fan Awards and recently announced her third book, “Rebel: Following Jesus When the World Walks the Other Way,” set for release on June 9.
“The Stars Tour” Fall 2026 Dates:
Sept. 10, 2026 in Portland, Ore. at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall *
Sept. 11, 2026 in Spokane, Wash. at Fox Theater *
Sept. 12, 2026 in Tacoma, Wash. at Pantages Theater *
Sept. 15, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colo. at Pikes Peak Center *
Sept. 17, 2026 in Tulsa, Okla. at Mabee Center *
Sept. 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Mo. at The Midland Theatre *
Sept. 19, 2026 in Springfield, Mo. at Spence Chapel Auditorium at Evangel University *
Sept. 23, 2026 in Roanoke, Va. at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre *
Sept. 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Md. at Lyric Baltimore *
Sept. 26, 2026 in Virginia Beach, Va. at The Dome by Rutter Mills *
Sept. 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas at Bayou Music Center *
Oct. 1, 2026 in Grand Prairie, Texas at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie *
Oct. 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Okla. at The Criterion *
Oct. 9, 2026 in Birmingham, Ala. at BJCC Concert Hall ~
Oct. 11, 2026 in Augusta, Ga. at Bell Auditorium ~
Oct. 22, 2026 in Omaha, Neb. at Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at The Holland Performing Arts Center ~
Oct. 23, 2026 in Peoria, Ill. at Prairie Home Alliance Theater ~
Oct. 24, 2026 in Davenport, Iowa at Capitol Theatre ~
Nov. 5, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. at The Smith Center ~
Nov. 6, 2026 in Riverside, Calif. at Fox Performing Arts Center ~
Nov. 7, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall ~
Nov. 9, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at San Diego Civic Theatre ~
Nov. 12, 2026 in Bakersfield, Calif. at Dignity Health Theater ~
Nov. 13, 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center ~
Nov. 14, 2026 in Redding, Calif. at Redding Civic Auditorium ~
* with Aodhán King
~ with Peter Burton
Anne Wilson Expands ‘The Stars Tour’ Into Fall With 25 New Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughAnne Wilson. Photo: Sophia Mantinazad
Anne Wilson is extending “The Stars Tour” into fall with 25 additional dates across the country. Special guests Peter Burton and Aodhán King will join on select shows.
The new leg kicks off in Portland on Sept. 10 and includes stops in Colorado Springs, Kansas City, Virginia Beach, Birmingham, San Diego and more through Nov. 14. Pre-sale for the new dates has already begun, with general on-sale beginning May 15 at annewilsonofficial.com.
“God has moved in such powerful ways during ‘The Stars Tour’ this spring, and I’m beyond excited to announce that we’re headed back out this fall to keep it going,” shares Wilson. “These nights of worship, music and community have meant so much to me, and I truly feel like we’re just getting started. I cannot wait to see everyone this fall on ‘The Stars Tour!’”
Earlier this year, Wilson released a reimagined version of “Still Do” with Cole Swindell, offering a fresh take on a fan favorite from her album Stars. She is also set to perform as a nominee for Female Artist of the Year at this year’s K-LOVE Fan Awards and recently announced her third book, “Rebel: Following Jesus When the World Walks the Other Way,” set for release on June 9.
“The Stars Tour” Fall 2026 Dates:
Sept. 10, 2026 in Portland, Ore. at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall *
Sept. 11, 2026 in Spokane, Wash. at Fox Theater *
Sept. 12, 2026 in Tacoma, Wash. at Pantages Theater *
Sept. 15, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colo. at Pikes Peak Center *
Sept. 17, 2026 in Tulsa, Okla. at Mabee Center *
Sept. 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Mo. at The Midland Theatre *
Sept. 19, 2026 in Springfield, Mo. at Spence Chapel Auditorium at Evangel University *
Sept. 23, 2026 in Roanoke, Va. at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre *
Sept. 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Md. at Lyric Baltimore *
Sept. 26, 2026 in Virginia Beach, Va. at The Dome by Rutter Mills *
Sept. 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas at Bayou Music Center *
Oct. 1, 2026 in Grand Prairie, Texas at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie *
Oct. 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Okla. at The Criterion *
Oct. 9, 2026 in Birmingham, Ala. at BJCC Concert Hall ~
Oct. 11, 2026 in Augusta, Ga. at Bell Auditorium ~
Oct. 22, 2026 in Omaha, Neb. at Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at The Holland Performing Arts Center ~
Oct. 23, 2026 in Peoria, Ill. at Prairie Home Alliance Theater ~
Oct. 24, 2026 in Davenport, Iowa at Capitol Theatre ~
Nov. 5, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. at The Smith Center ~
Nov. 6, 2026 in Riverside, Calif. at Fox Performing Arts Center ~
Nov. 7, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall ~
Nov. 9, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at San Diego Civic Theatre ~
Nov. 12, 2026 in Bakersfield, Calif. at Dignity Health Theater ~
Nov. 13, 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center ~
Nov. 14, 2026 in Redding, Calif. at Redding Civic Auditorium ~
* with Aodhán King
~ with Peter Burton
NSAI Celebrates Members & Industry Supporters At Annual Member Awards
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Bart Herbison, Ralston Wells, Bryan Mitschell, James Maltese, Gabe Walsh, Jake Arthur, Maxwell Trotter, Grayson May, Adam Epstein, Dewey Longuski, Jessie Brackin, Philip Morgan, Sharon O’Donnell and Josie Bisto. (L-R, front row): Lauren Murray, Tracy Richardson, Sarah Arnold, Natalie Flynn, Allison Barrett, Garland, Jonathan Olivares, Megan Kelley, Jill Moody, Abbey Rowe and Julia Keefe. Photo: NSAI/Tom Turk
NSAI recently held its annual member awards at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville, honoring over a dozen individuals, including standout NSAI members and industry supporters.
After a welcome address, the ceremony began with a performance from NSAI Board Member and songwriter Lydia Vaughan as she shared a few songs and words of inspiration with the audience.
Dewey Longuski was the first honoree, receiving the Ones To Watch Award. Megan Kelley stepped on stage to receive the Bob Kingsley Top 40 Award for receiving the most song placements on Bob Kingsley’s NSAI Top 40 lists in 2025. Longtime NSAI member Jonathan Oliveres was honored with the Volunteer Award, given to a member that has extended assistance and support with their time and efforts for the organization.
To honor the newest Friend of NSAI Award recipients, songwriter Brooke Hatala surprised Ralston Wells with a performance, Adam Epstein was honored with a song by hit songwriter Victoria Shaw, and Julia Keefe, Partner, Edgehill Music Publishing, was honored with a performance by Willie Morrison.
This year NSAI recognized Gabe Walsh, Jacob Rice, Abbey Rowe, Philip Morgan and Jessie Brackin with Milestone Awards.
Additionally, Carl Slack was given the Online Pitch award, Bella Garland nabbed the Mentor Award, and Bryan Mitschell took home the Online Song Feedback Award. Various competitions and challenge winners from the past year were also recognized, including Sharon O’Donnell and Josie Bisto, the Grand Prize winners of the 25th annual NSAI Song Contest, NSAI’s 2025 Chapter Challenge winners, James Maltese and Jake Arthur, and the latest recipient of the Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship, Grayson May.
To close out the event, Song of the Year was given to James Maltese for his song “Grass Roots.”
Ashley Cooke Slates ‘Baby Blues World Tour’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Cooke. Photo: Patrick Tracy
Ashley Cooke will launch her new 28-date “baby blues world tour” beginning Sept. 17 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cooke will visit Boston, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Sacramento, Fort Worth and more across the country on the new tour, which will wrap Feb. 25 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Along the way, she’ll be supported by Timmy McKeever, McCoy Moore, Just Jayne, Aniston Pate and Hannah McFarland on various dates.
The tour takes its name from the longtime live favorite “baby blues,” a recent No. 1 hit on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown. The track is set to appear on Cooke’s self-titled sophomore album, due out via Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music on August 14.
General on-sale for the trek begins this Friday (May 15), with $1 of every ticket sold going towards the Ashley Cooke Fund to benefit The Onsite Foundation’s Creatives Support Network, which provides free mental health support, education and resources specifically designed for members of the songwriting community.
This weekend, Cooke will co-host and perform at “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash,” an Academy of Country Music Awards Week event on May 16 at Mandalay Bay Beach in Las Vegas.
“the baby blues world tour” dates:
SEPTEMBER
17 | Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron 🎧
18 | Washington, DC – 9:30 Club 🎧
19 | Boston, MA – Royale 🎧
24 | New York, NY – Irving Plaza 🎧
25 | Portland, ME – Aura 🎧
26 | New Haven, CT – Toad’s 🎧
OCTOBER
1 | Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live 💿
2 | Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon 💿
3 | Milwaukee, WI – Rave II 💿
8 | Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre ☀️
9 | San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theatre ☀️
10 | Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades ☀️
14 | Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo 💋
15 | Portland, OR – Revolution Hall 💋
16 | Boise, ID – Knitting Factory 💋
NOVEMBER
5 | Raleigh, NC – The Ritz 💿
6 | Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s 💿
7 | Athens, GA – Georgia Theater 💿
JANUARY
22 | Belfast, N.I. – The Limelight 1
24 | Glasgow, UK – SWG3 TV Studio
26 | Bristol, UK – Trinity
28 | Birmingham, UK – O2 Academy 2
29 | London, UK – Koko
30 | Manchester, UK – Manchester Club Academy
FEBRUARY
18 | Austin, TX – Antone’s 🩵
19 | Fort Worth, TX – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall 🩵
20 | Lubbock, TX – Cook’s Garage – Indoors 🩵
25 | Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
🎧Support from Timmy McKeever
💿 Support from McCoy Moore
☀️Support from Just Jayne
💋 Support from Aniston Pate
🩵 Support from Hannah McFarland
Vince Gill Awarded 2026 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize
/by Lauryn SinkVince Gill receives Ken Burns American Heritage Prize.
Vince Gill was recently awarded the 2026 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize at an event held on May 6 at the American Museum of Natural History.
The honor recognizes an individual whose body of work has advanced our collective understanding of the indomitable American spirit.
“Tonight, we are celebrating two vital American traditions—the arts and conservation, both of which act as a kind of conscience to our nation,” Burns shared from the stage. “This is why I’m particularly delighted to present this prize to Vince Gill tonight. I can spot the kinship of a storyteller a prairie mile away.”
“In Country Music, we explored the idea that this quintessentially American art form is simply ‘three chords and the truth.’ But every once in a while, an artist comes along who elevates that truth into something transcendent,” he continued. “He is a master of his craft, a keeper of the flame, and quite simply, one of the finest souls I’ve had the privilege to work with, document, and learn from. It is my distinct honor to present this year’s American Heritage Prize to a man whose heart is as big as the Montana sky.”
“With a grateful heart, thank you for this amazing honor,” Gill shared. “I think the world of Ken Burns and I think the world of what you’re doing – and you’re trying to make this place better, trying to make it matter, trying to make us have some reverence for what’s been around for a long, long time.”
Throughout the night, Sting, Rosanne Cash, Marty Stewart, Keith Urban and Amy Grant shared well wishes through videos. Gill took the stage to perform “One More Last Chance” and “Whenever You Come Around.”
Burns, a revered visual historian and documentary filmmaker, has directed and produced films including The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, The War, The National Parks, America’s Best Idea, Prohibition, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, The Vietnam War, Country Music, The U.S. and the Holocaust, The American Buffalo, Leonardo da Vinci, and The American Revolution.
Zach John King To Kick Off ‘Get To Drinkin’ Tour’ This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughZach John King. Photo: Emma Shane Heim
Zach John King is set to launch his headline “Get To Drinkin’ Tour” on Oct. 1.
Kicking off in Indianapolis, the tour will also include stops in New York City, Boston, Lexington, Toronto, and more, with a Nashville show at Exit/In on Nov. 5. Additional dates as well as openers for the tour will be announced later this year.
Tickets go on sale for the public this Friday, (May 15), with the ZJK Fan Club pre-sale beginning today (May 14) with code DRINKIN here.
“I’ve had some amazing opportunities supporting some of the biggest artists in country music, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” shares King. “But at the end of the day, I’m always curious about who my fans are. Who are the people coming to my show? It’s gonna be special to get to play full sets and play all my deep cuts for my fans and feel the energy in the room every night – I can’t wait.”
King is currently touring with Morgan Wallen again this summer and is also hitting the road with Luke Bryan, Riley Green, and Thomas Rhett in the coming months. He will also make festival appearances at Braves Country Fest, Country Thunder Wisconsin, Country Splash Cabo and more throughout the summer.
“Get To Drinkin’ Tour” Dates:
10/1: Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi
10/8: Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar
10/10: Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
10/13: Toronto, ON – Horsehoe Tavern
10/16: New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
10/17: Boston, MA – The Sinclair
10/30: Knoxville, TN – Open Chord
11/5: Nashville, TN – Exit/In
11/6: Lexington, KY – The Burl
Dan + Shay Share Snapshots Of Life On New Album ‘Young’
/by Lorie HollabaughDan + Shay will release their new album Young on Aug. 21 via Warner Records Nashville. The title track from the new project is available everywhere tomorrow (May 15).
The first single from the album, the personal and hope-filled leadoff track, “Say So,” is top 30 and climbing at radio now, and continues to ignite national and community awareness about suicide prevention. The ACM Duo of the Year nominees will perform “Say So” on the ACM Awards this Sunday (May 17).
Young follows the duo’s journey as they’ve navigated family, faith, and chasing their dreams during one of the most prolific seasons of their 13-year career. The project was co-produced by Smyers alongside longtime collaborator Scott Hendricks.
“Young is by far our most personal album yet, and we are beyond excited for our fans to hear it,” they share. “Every song is inspired by a true story, and gives a real-time snapshot of exactly where we are in our lives.”
The new album follows the duo’s acclaimed fifth studio album Bigger Houses, which included the Grammy-nominated No. 1 title track. Throughout their career the duo has amassed more than 14 Billion global streams and 139 worldwide career Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold certifications to date, including 60 U.S. RIAA and 81 international awards.
Country Thunder Florida Wraps 2026 Festival
/by Lauryn SinkZach Top. Photo: Dale MacMillan
Country Thunder Florida wrapped its 2026 festival over the weekend.
On Friday, Gavin Adcock took to the stage, closing out with his rowdy country radio hit “Never Call Again.” Saturday headliner Zach Top treated the crowd to fan favorites like “Guitar.” On Sunday, Kane Brown capped off the weekend, bringing his wife Katelyn Brown onstage for a Mother’s Day duet of their multi-Platinum “Thank God.”
The lineup also featured breakout artists like Shaboozey, who stuck around after his set to sign autographs for fans. Over the course of the weekend, festival-goers also took in unforgettable performances from Gretchen Wilson, Randy Houser, Dasha, Solon Holt, Max McNown and Elizabeth Nichols, among others.
In addition, Country Thunder Florida’s Shoreline Stage spotlighted country music’s next wave of talent with sets from rising artists like Noah Hicks, Crossfire Creek, Nate Venturelli and Tailgate Revival. Meanwhile, the Songwriters Showcase presented by American Songwriter hosted in-the-round performances from acclaimed Nashville songwriters including Brent Anderson, Joey Hyde and Brooke Lee.
Country Thunder Alberta is set to kick things off June 26-28 in Calgary, followed by Country Thunder Saskatchewan and Country Thunder Wisconsin.
Gavin Adcock. Photo: Dale MacMillan
Elizabeth Nichols. Photo: Dale MacMillan
Kane Brown. Photo: Katie Kauss
Braxton Keith.
Dasha.
Shania Twain Readies ‘Little Miss Twain’ Due In July
/by Lauryn SinkShania Twain will release Little Miss Twain, her seventh album, on July 24 via Republic Nashville.
The album’s lead single “Dirty Rosie” is out now.
“A lot of Little Miss Twain is reflective of my teens, my roots as well as the energy of the rock and R&B I loved so much, but still with that Western twang,” Twain says. “Where I’m from you don’t go anywhere on a horse — you go on a snowmobile. I was dreaming about the Western lifestyle and I was living in a very different world than where I ended up.”
In 2017, Twain ended a 15-year break from releasing music with NOW. She followed it in 2023 with Queen Of Me, and kicked off the global “Queen Of Me Tour,” which ranked among the Top 10 highest-grossing country tours of the year. In between tours, she also launched sold-out Las Vegas residencies.
Ahead of release, Twain will return to the road, joining Harry Styles for a 12-night stand at London’s Wembley Stadium. She will follow the London shows with a special one-off headlining performance in Ireland, at Limerick City’s Thomond Park Stadium.
Presenters Unveiled For 61st ACM Awards
/by Madison HahnenACM has revealed the presenters for the 61st ACM Awards, taking place this Sunday (May 17).
This year’s presenter group includes Andrew Whitworth, Ashley McBryde, Carl Edwards, Corey LaJoie, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Michael Bublé, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Shaboozey, The War And Treaty, and TJ Osborne.
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Shania Twain, and will include performances from Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top. Already announced winners include Anna, Wetmore, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Jessie Jo Dillon.
The 61st ACM Awards will stream live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas via Prime Video beginning at 7 p.m. CST.
Lauren Alaina Shares ‘Stages’ Of Her Life On New Album
/by Madison HahnenLauren Alaina will release her new album, Stages, on Aug. 28 via Big Loud Records.
“I’m fifteen years into a ten-year town and 31 years into a lifelong dream,” shares Alaina. “Stages represents every version of me along the way: the dreaming, the breaking, and, ultimately, the becoming. There’s something on this album for everyone, no matter what stage of life they’re in. Stages is letting everyone see behind the curtain of the girl in the spotlight. It’s a reflection of the moments that shaped me and the dream that carried me through. It’s always been the same dream, different stages.”
The project was produced by Joey Moi and Ben Johnson, and showcases the defining moments of Alaina’s life through her honest lyrics and powerhouse vocals. The album explores themes of coming of age, early performing on Broadway, starting a family and more.
Featured on the album is her current top 25 radio single “All My Exes” feat. Chase Matthew, and the newly released “Raining Whiskey.”
Alaina will perform at ACM Lifting Lives On The Green this week, before taking the stage as a presenter at the ACM Awards this Sunday. She will also support Darius Rucker on select dates this summer, and is slated to make festival appearances at CMA Fest, Rock The Country, The Back Road Music Festival and more throughout the summer.