Lou Taylor, Peggy Stephens and Heather Kinder. Photo: Courtesy of Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group
After more than 30 years at the helm of Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, Lou Taylor is entering a new phase of growth for the company she founded. That next chapter is being led by an entirely female executive team.
Tri Star recently granted equity to Peggy Stephens (Chief Operating Officer), Heather Kinder (Chief of Staff) and Deedra Carroll (Chief Deputy Director), formalizing their roles in leading the firm’s operational, strategic and infrastructure development efforts. The move is significant in a sector where fewer than 20 percent of executive leadership roles nationally are held by women.
For Taylor, the decision was rooted in experience and performance, not symbolism.
“All of our clients were super excited for the C-Suite that was granted the equity,” Taylor says. “They took a lot of joy in being able to congratulate all of them and let them know they were appreciated.”
The response from clients reflects the longevity of the relationships Stephens, Kinder and Carroll have built within the firm. Each has played a key role in Tri Star’s expansion across its Nashville and West Hollywood offices, helping to evolve the company into a multi-family office serving high-profile entertainers, entrepreneurs and multi-generational families.
Stephens has focused on operational efficiency and client service systems. Kinder has overseen strategic initiatives and internal development. Carroll has led across systems, risk and team structure, strengthening the firm’s infrastructure as it scales.
Taylor sees the leadership shift as consistent with how Tri Star has operated for years.
“I think women by nature are more organized, specifically in a role as a business manager,” Taylor says. “Women control about 72 to 74% of all expendable income in the household. So if there’s a dollar that comes into the house, roughly 70 cents of that dollar is managed by women—paying for the groceries, the kids, the bills—and then the remaining 20% is what’s left over. Clients are often used to looking at a female as both the CFO of the household and the nurturer.”
That dynamic, she says, translates directly to the entertainment space.
“I think it’s a great advantage to be a woman in finance—being able to cultivate a high EQ and understand how people relate to money and what that looks like. You can come at it from a perspective that’s both technically strong and nurturing, and almost educational.”
Entertainment business management requires more than accounting expertise. Artists’ financial decisions intersect with touring cycles, catalog strategy, family considerations and long-term wealth planning. Taylor believes that understanding those layers is part of the job.
The leadership expansion also coincides with a significant acquisition. Tri Star recently acquired The LRW Group, a Miami-based firm serving Fortune 500 clients and high-profile individuals in entertainment and music. The move strengthens Tri Star’s East Coast presence and expands its footprint in private wealth management.
Lou Taylor and Lah Parramore. Photo: Courtesy of Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group copy
The connection between Taylor and Lahteefah “Lah” Parramore, founder of The LRW Group, began through shared clients.
“Lah and I met because we ended up representing a duo—I had one half and she had one half,” Taylor says. “Often when you get work from other business managers, it’s not always so great. Her work was so good that I actually personally called her myself and said, ‘I just want to let you know your work was great. I’m looking forward to working with you on this.’ So we just automatically became friends over the last three years.”
That professional respect developed into a broader partnership.
“We just built a great relationship in doing that and we’re having a lot of fun building that market up,” Taylor says.
Parramore now joins Tri Star as Chief Growth Officer, reporting directly to Taylor and leading the company’s East Coast expansion strategy. With her addition, the firm’s executive leadership team is entirely female.
In a financial services landscape where women remain underrepresented at the highest levels, the structure stands out. For Taylor, it also reflects how she has built the company.
“There are people out there, especially women, who actually put their money where their mouth is and elevate women. They don’t just talk about it,” she says. “There’s proof in my legacy that I’ve historically done that, and I hope it inspires today’s assistants and juniors, who will be tomorrow’s leaders, founders and owners, to follow suit.”
Granting equity to her executive team formalizes a succession structure that positions Tri Star for long-term continuity. As revenue models across the music business continue to shift and financial strategies grow more complex, Taylor says leadership depth is essential.
Tri Star’s evolution into a multi-family office has required expanded advisory capabilities, from tax strategy and risk management to estate planning and wealth preservation. The firm’s client roster spans artists at various career stages, entrepreneurs and established families navigating generational transitions.
Taylor says the internal promotion of Stephens, Kinder and Carroll recognizes the work they have already been doing to support that growth.
“When you have the opportunity, it’s important to exercise it and give people work, especially when they’ve earned it,” she adds.
The acquisition of The LRW Group further broadens the company’s reach, adding Fortune 500 relationships and strengthening its presence in Miami and across the East Coast. Under Parramore’s leadership as Chief Growth Officer, Tri Star is expanding its influence beyond its traditional markets while maintaining its entertainment core.
For Music Row, where women have steadily increased their visibility in creative and executive roles over the past decade, Tri Star’s leadership structure adds another example on the finance side of the business. Business management firms often operate behind the scenes, but their decisions shape the sustainability of artists’ careers.
As the company enters its next phase, Taylor remains focused on strengthening the foundation she built.
The elevation of an all-female executive team is not framed internally as a headline. It is the result of performance, experience and shared ownership. In an industry where succession planning is often opaque, Tri Star has made its path visible.
For younger professionals watching the trajectory of the firm, the message is direct. Advancement and equity are attainable. Leadership can be cultivated internally. And the next generation of business managers may not have to look far to see what that path can look like.
BREAKING: Nominees Revealed For 60th CMA Awards
/by LB CantrellThe final nominees for the 60th annual CMA Awards have been revealed.
Ella Langley leads the group with nine nods, including her first for Entertainer of the Year. Other top nominees include Miranda Lambert with seven nominations; Kacey Musgraves and Ben West with five nominations each; Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Stephen Wilson Jr. with four nominations each; and Dave Clauss, Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson with three each.
Alongside Langley, Combs, Johnson, Stapleton and Wilson are vying for Entertainer of the Year.
There are 13 first-time nominees, including Smith Ahnquist, Avery Anna, Jack Antonoff, Tim Cofield, Carter Faith, Austin Goodloe, Muscadine Bloodline, Emily Ann Roberts, Caylee Robillard, Laura Sisk, Joybeth Taylor, Thelma & James and Ben West.
“For six decades, the CMA Awards have celebrated excellence in Country Music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re grateful to CMA’s Professional members, whose collective voice determines every nomination, bringing real expertise to the balloting process each year. Congratulations to all of this year’s deserving nominees. We cannot wait to celebrate our milestone anniversary together in November.”
The CMA Awards broadcasts live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 18 (8:00 – 11:00 PM/EST) on ABC, Disney+ and next day on Hulu.
2026 CMA Awards Final Nominees (by ballot category order):
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
– Luke Combs
– Cody Johnson
– Ella Langley
– Chris Stapleton
– Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
– “Be Her” – Ella Langley
Producers: Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Ben West
Mix Engineer: Dave Clauss
– “Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Producers: Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Ben West
Mix Engineer: Dave Clauss
– “I Knew It, I Knew You” – Taylor Swift
Producers: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift\
Mix Engineer: Laura Sisk
– “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
– “The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
– Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
– Dandelion – Ella Langley
Producers: Devin Dawson, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West
Mix Engineer: Dave Clauss
– Middle of Nowhere – Kacey Musgraves
Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Luke Laird, Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian
Mix Engineers: Serban Ghenea, Konrad Snyder
– Parker McCollum – Parker McCollum
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse
Mix Engineer: Eric Masse
– The Way I Am – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
– “Be Her”
Songwriters: Smith Ahnquist, Michael Hardy, Ella Langley, Jordan Schmidt
– “Beautiful Things”
Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon, Connie Harrington, Megan Moroney
– “Choosin’ Texas”
Songwriters: Luke Dick, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
– “Dry Spell”
Songwriters: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne
– “Gary”
Songwriter: Stephen Wilson Jr.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
– Miranda Lambert
– Ella Langley
– Megan Moroney
– Kacey Musgraves
– Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
– Luke Combs
– Cody Johnson
– Chris Stapleton
– Zach Top
– Stephen Wilson Jr.
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
– Lady A
– Little Big Town
– Midland
– Old Dominion
– The Red Clay Strays
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
– Brooks & Dunn
– Brothers Osborne
– Dan + Shay
– Muscadine Bloodline
– Thelma & James
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
– “A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert (with Chris Stapleton)
Producer: Dave Cobb
– “Horses and Divorces” – Kacey Musgraves (feat. Miranda Lambert)
Producers: Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian
– “I Can’t Love You Anymore” – Ella Langley & Morgan Wallen
Producers: Austin Goodloe, Ella Langley, Ben West
– “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay” – Carly Pearce & Riley Green
Producers: Carly Pearce, Ben West
– “McArthur” – HARDY, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen & Tim McGraw
Producer: Jay Joyce
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
– Tom Bukovac – Guitar
– Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
– Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
– Rob McNelley – Guitar
– Charlie Worsham – Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
– “Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Directors: Ella Langley, Caylee Robillard, Wales Toney
– “Dry Spell” – Kacey Musgraves
Directors: Hannah Lux Davis, Kacey Musgraves
– “Gary” – Stephen Wilson Jr.
Directors: Tim Cofield, Stephen Wilson Jr.
– “The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Director: Dustin Haney
– “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton
Director: Running Bear
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
– Avery Anna
– Carter Faith
– Emily Ann Roberts
– Tucker Wetmore
– Stephen Wilson Jr.
Corey Kent Announces 20+ Date ‘Heartland Rock And Roll Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughCorey Kent. Photo: Dayna White
Corey Kent has announced his 2027 “Heartland Rock and Roll Tour” is set to kick off Jan. 22 at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Tyler Nance and Jacob Hackworth will join as support on the new tour.
The tour will bring Kent’s sound to intimate theaters, clubs and legendary venues around the country, including stops at Houston’s House of Blues, Atlanta’s Buckhead Theatre, Pittsburgh’s Stage AE and Boston’s House of Blues before the tour’s final night at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 11 at coreykentofficial.com.
“This year I’ve played all over the world and opened up for some of my favorite artists,” says Kent. “But now it feels like it’s time for a headline tour right here in the heartland…the Heartland Rock and Roll Tour! I’ve reimagined everything on this tour making this show unlike anything we’ve ever done. I hand picked some of my favorite venues in the country and it’s almost time! Tickets go on sale this Friday.”
The tour announcement comes as Kent readies his third album, Heartland Rock and Roll, which captures the Oklahoma native’s signature blend of country, rock and soul while putting a name to the sound he has spent his career building. The project features previously-released tracks “Everyday Life,” “Rocky Mountain Low” featuring Koe Wetzel, “Wannabe,” “Cigarette Burns,” “Rather Be Here” featuring Jason Aldean, and current single “Empty Words,” which is Top 40 and climbing at country radio.
Corey Kent’s 2027 “Heartland Rock And Roll Tour:”
*Jan. 22 – Billy Bob’s Texas – Main Stage – Fort Worth, TX
*Jan. 23 – House of Blues – Houston, TX
*Jan. 28 – Majestic Theatre – Detroit, MI
*Jan. 29 – The Bluestone – Columbus, OH
*Jan. 30 – Dusty Armadillo – Rootstown, OH
*Feb. 4 – Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA
*Feb. 5 – Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN
*Feb. 6 – Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE
*Feb. 18 – Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA
*Feb. 19 – The Foundry – Greenville, SC
*Feb. 20 – Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC
*Feb. 25 – The Signal – Chattanooga, TN
*Feb. 26 – Coyote Joe’s – Charlotte, NC
*Feb. 27 – The Senate – Columbia, SC
*Mar. 11 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
*Mar. 12 – The Fillmore Silver Spring – Silver Spring, MD
*Mar. 13 – The Paramount – Huntington, NY
^Mar. 18 – Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT
^Mar. 19 – Aura – Portland, ME
^Mar. 20 – House of Blues – Boston, MA
*Apr. 30 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
*Tyler Nance
^Jacob Hackworth
Lou Taylor Expands Tri Star’s Leadership Bench With All-Female C-Suite [Interview]
/by LB CantrellLou Taylor, Peggy Stephens and Heather Kinder. Photo: Courtesy of Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group
After more than 30 years at the helm of Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, Lou Taylor is entering a new phase of growth for the company she founded. That next chapter is being led by an entirely female executive team.
Tri Star recently granted equity to Peggy Stephens (Chief Operating Officer), Heather Kinder (Chief of Staff) and Deedra Carroll (Chief Deputy Director), formalizing their roles in leading the firm’s operational, strategic and infrastructure development efforts. The move is significant in a sector where fewer than 20 percent of executive leadership roles nationally are held by women.
For Taylor, the decision was rooted in experience and performance, not symbolism.
“All of our clients were super excited for the C-Suite that was granted the equity,” Taylor says. “They took a lot of joy in being able to congratulate all of them and let them know they were appreciated.”
The response from clients reflects the longevity of the relationships Stephens, Kinder and Carroll have built within the firm. Each has played a key role in Tri Star’s expansion across its Nashville and West Hollywood offices, helping to evolve the company into a multi-family office serving high-profile entertainers, entrepreneurs and multi-generational families.
Stephens has focused on operational efficiency and client service systems. Kinder has overseen strategic initiatives and internal development. Carroll has led across systems, risk and team structure, strengthening the firm’s infrastructure as it scales.
Taylor sees the leadership shift as consistent with how Tri Star has operated for years.
“I think women by nature are more organized, specifically in a role as a business manager,” Taylor says. “Women control about 72 to 74% of all expendable income in the household. So if there’s a dollar that comes into the house, roughly 70 cents of that dollar is managed by women—paying for the groceries, the kids, the bills—and then the remaining 20% is what’s left over. Clients are often used to looking at a female as both the CFO of the household and the nurturer.”
That dynamic, she says, translates directly to the entertainment space.
“I think it’s a great advantage to be a woman in finance—being able to cultivate a high EQ and understand how people relate to money and what that looks like. You can come at it from a perspective that’s both technically strong and nurturing, and almost educational.”
Entertainment business management requires more than accounting expertise. Artists’ financial decisions intersect with touring cycles, catalog strategy, family considerations and long-term wealth planning. Taylor believes that understanding those layers is part of the job.
The leadership expansion also coincides with a significant acquisition. Tri Star recently acquired The LRW Group, a Miami-based firm serving Fortune 500 clients and high-profile individuals in entertainment and music. The move strengthens Tri Star’s East Coast presence and expands its footprint in private wealth management.
Lou Taylor and Lah Parramore. Photo: Courtesy of Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group copy
The connection between Taylor and Lahteefah “Lah” Parramore, founder of The LRW Group, began through shared clients.
“Lah and I met because we ended up representing a duo—I had one half and she had one half,” Taylor says. “Often when you get work from other business managers, it’s not always so great. Her work was so good that I actually personally called her myself and said, ‘I just want to let you know your work was great. I’m looking forward to working with you on this.’ So we just automatically became friends over the last three years.”
That professional respect developed into a broader partnership.
“We just built a great relationship in doing that and we’re having a lot of fun building that market up,” Taylor says.
Parramore now joins Tri Star as Chief Growth Officer, reporting directly to Taylor and leading the company’s East Coast expansion strategy. With her addition, the firm’s executive leadership team is entirely female.
In a financial services landscape where women remain underrepresented at the highest levels, the structure stands out. For Taylor, it also reflects how she has built the company.
“There are people out there, especially women, who actually put their money where their mouth is and elevate women. They don’t just talk about it,” she says. “There’s proof in my legacy that I’ve historically done that, and I hope it inspires today’s assistants and juniors, who will be tomorrow’s leaders, founders and owners, to follow suit.”
Granting equity to her executive team formalizes a succession structure that positions Tri Star for long-term continuity. As revenue models across the music business continue to shift and financial strategies grow more complex, Taylor says leadership depth is essential.
Tri Star’s evolution into a multi-family office has required expanded advisory capabilities, from tax strategy and risk management to estate planning and wealth preservation. The firm’s client roster spans artists at various career stages, entrepreneurs and established families navigating generational transitions.
Taylor says the internal promotion of Stephens, Kinder and Carroll recognizes the work they have already been doing to support that growth.
“When you have the opportunity, it’s important to exercise it and give people work, especially when they’ve earned it,” she adds.
The acquisition of The LRW Group further broadens the company’s reach, adding Fortune 500 relationships and strengthening its presence in Miami and across the East Coast. Under Parramore’s leadership as Chief Growth Officer, Tri Star is expanding its influence beyond its traditional markets while maintaining its entertainment core.
For Music Row, where women have steadily increased their visibility in creative and executive roles over the past decade, Tri Star’s leadership structure adds another example on the finance side of the business. Business management firms often operate behind the scenes, but their decisions shape the sustainability of artists’ careers.
As the company enters its next phase, Taylor remains focused on strengthening the foundation she built.
The elevation of an all-female executive team is not framed internally as a headline. It is the result of performance, experience and shared ownership. In an industry where succession planning is often opaque, Tri Star has made its path visible.
For younger professionals watching the trajectory of the firm, the message is direct. Advancement and equity are attainable. Leadership can be cultivated internally. And the next generation of business managers may not have to look far to see what that path can look like.
Melody Place Adds Industry Vets Bob Reeves & Liz Kiley
/by Lorie HollabaughBob Reeves & Liz Kiley
Nashville-based indie label and publishing company Melody Place has hired industry veterans Bob Reeves and Liz Kiley as Head of Promotion & Commercial Partnerships and Head of Marketing, respectively.
In his new role as Head of Promotion & Commercial Partnerships, Reeves brings over 25 years of music promotions management experience, including leading radio promotions teams at Warner Music Nashville, Reviver Entertainment Group, and Riser House Entertainment.
A seasoned entertainment executive, Kiley joins Melody Place with years of experience in music, TV, and radio. Her previous stints include Universal Music Group, MTV Networks/Viacom, and The Box Network in marketing, programming, and streaming roles. She is also a Leadership Music Alumna and former board member.
“The combined wisdom of Bob Reeves and Liz Kiley provides Melody Place with a treasure trove of context, leadership, and vision,” says Sandy McGraw, President and GM. “They’ve eached reached pinnacles that others spend their entire careers striving for, and I’m thrilled and humbled that they’ve joined us on our journey to put art and the artists first.”
The Melody Place roster includes artists Sara Evans, Pia Toscano, Katharine McPhee, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Braden Hull and Jackie Evancho. The label co-produced the hit Broadway musical, BOOP!, alongside 16-time Grammy winner David Foster and released its Original Cast Recording, and also just released an 18-track duets tribute album, Dan Seals & Friends: The Last Duet, in partnership with the Dan Seals Estate.
Kirk Franklin Forms New Partnership With Uptown Records
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Brandon Amie, Ron Hill, Natina Nimene, Kirk Franklin, Danielle Price Sanders and Phil Thornton.
Grammy-winning artist Kirk Franklin has entered into a partnership with Uptown Records in conjunction with Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group.
To celebrate the news, Franklin has released a video for his latest single “Thank You For Everything” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of the Clark Sisters.
“No one has shaped gospel and sustained its influence from one decade to the next quite like Kirk Franklin,” says Uptown Executive/EVP Urban Audience & Artist Relations REPUBLIC Collective, Natina Nimene. “His impact is transformational and we are honored that he has entrusted Uptown as his partner for this next chapter and the incredible body of work he has planned.”
“Kirk Franklin’s legacy and impact on music and culture are undeniable,” shares Phil Thornton, EVP TRIBL Music Group/Insignia Assets. “At TRIBL, we’re proud to collaborate with Kirk, Fo Yo Soul and Uptown Records to celebrate that legacy while helping amplify the music and vision still ahead.”
“To be a part of the Uptown family is a genuine honor,” adds Franklin. “I feel energized by the entire team’s enthusiasm and support already. It’s a blessing, and I’m beyond thankful and excited for what the future holds. Let’s make history together!”
The partnership further accelerates the momentum behind the label’s return and ongoing resurgence as Uptown marks its 40th anniversary. The revitalized label is already making waves with releases and breakout moments from Yung Miami, G Herbo, Trap Dickey, rising artist 9B Meechie, and mega-producer ATL Jacob.
George Birge Signs With Black River Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Tanya Schrage (BRE), Chase Miller (Rich MGMT), Gordon S. Kerr (BRE), Doug Johnson (BRE), George Birge, Rick Froio (BRE), Aaron Steinberg (Marcus & Colvin, LLP) and Brendan Rich (Rich MGMT).
George Birge has inked with Black River Entertainment.
Currently boasting over 400 million career streams, back-to-back No. 1 hits with “Mind On You” and “Cowboy Songs,” top 5 hit “It Won’t Be Long,” and recent top 10 single “Ride, Ride, Ride” with Luke Bryan, Birge continues his breakout run. His success has earned him a 2025 iHeartMusic Awards nomination for Best New Country Artist, a late-night TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and recognition as a Billboard Country Rookie of the Month.
“From the first visit with the Black River Entertainment team, I had no question that this is where I wanted to write my next chapter,” says Birge. “The passion and vision of this group is a perfect match for big plans that we have in store, and I have a sneaky feeling the best is yet to come!”
“George Birge is the kind of artist we are proud to welcome to Black River,” adds Gordon S. Kerr, CEO of Black River Entertainment. “He is an exceptional songwriter and performer whose authenticity, work ethic and clear artistic vision set him apart. George has already built an incredible connection with country music fans, and we believe the best chapters of his career are still ahead. We are grateful for the people who have been alongside George as he has grown into the artist he is today, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Black River family and help build that future together.”
Birge has previously hit the road with Bryan, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum and Darius Rucker. He is currently amidst his “Cowboy Songs Tour” through 2027, as well as opening on select dates for Tucker Wetmore. Birge is expected to roll out new music in the coming months.
Country Splash In Cabo Wraps Inaugural Weekend
/by Lorie HollabaughTucker Wetmore headlines Country Splash Cabo. Photo: Daniel Pantoja (@Daniel.PressPlay)
The Country Splash Festival in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico wrapped its inaugural weekend on Sunday (Sept. 6) after three days filled with poolside sets, sunset acoustic performances and nightly shows.
Guests experienced artists in a more intimate setting against the backdrop of Cabo, all while enjoying personalized hospitality, curated wellness experiences, concierge services and resort amenities throughout the talent-packed weekend.
Jon Pardi headlines Country Splash Cabo. Photo: Daniel Pantoja (@Daniel.PressPlay)
On day one Jacob Hackworth kicked things off as the sun began to set, performing songs from his upcoming debut EP What Took You So Long. Dee Jay Silver kept the energy building, blending country favorites with hip-hop, house and EDM between each act, followed by Blake Whiten, whose performance included his Billboard Hot 100-charting single “Bet On That.”
Dasha then took the stage for a high-energy set that included her breakout hit, “Austin,” and Tucker Wetmore brought the inaugural night to its peak with a set featuring fan-favorites “Wind Up Missing You,” “3, 2, 1,” and “Sunburn.” With a 90-minute set that included “doing whatever I want up here,” Wetmore took the intentionally-intimate festival crowd back with “Casino,” “Drops of Jupiter,” and led the at-capacity-crowd through Beethoven, Queen and Journey sing-alongs on piano.
During the second day of the festival, guests transitioned from the pool to an intimate acoustic Sunset Fireside Sessions with Zach John King and Jon Pardi. The Main Stage opened with Dee Jay Silver before a performance from King, whose set featured songs from his recently released debut album I’m What You Get.
LOCASH then brought the fun and a three-piece mariachi band, and had the crowd singing along to their current single, “Let The Country Music Play,” and No. 1 “I Love This Life.” Pardi closed out the night with a set spanning a decade of hits, with the crowd singing along to “Head Over Boots, “Heartache Medication” and more to send the festival’s second night out on a high note.
Riley Green closed out Country Splash Cabo’s inaugural weekend. Photo: Daniel Pantoja (@Daniel.PressPlay)
Guests spent the final day of the festival moving between the pool, Sunset Fireside Sessions and the Main Stage at Paradisus Los Cabos, and as the pool closed and the sun began to set, fans gathered for intimate acoustic sets at the Sunset Fireside Sessions from Riley Green, Lauren Watkins, and Dasha.
Later as the moon rose above the Main Stage, Watkins kicked things off with a set showcasing her earthy mix of sunset country and heartland grit before Cameron Whitcomb brought backflips and an energetic stage presence to the final night. Green closed out the fest’s inaugural weekend with a set filled with hits and fan favorites, turning the final performance into a full-scale singalong with songs “Different ‘Round Here,” “Think As You Drunk” and “Worst Way,” with Watkins joining for “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
Garth Brooks Announces Salt Lake City As Next Stop On ‘Blame It All on My Roots Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks will make Salt Lake City the sixth stop on his “Blame It All On My Roots Arena Tour” on Oct. 9-10.
Set for the Delta Center in Salt Lake, tickets go on sale Sept. 18 here. All tickets are priced at $154 and every seat in the house is one price. The show is the latest on a tour that has already sold 200,000 tickets and will visit Chicago for four shows beginning tomorrow (Sept. 10), then head to Washington D.C., and Orlando through the end of the month.
The tour is serving as the foundation for Killer Live, a new live album project that continues Brooks’ tradition of capturing history in real time. From concert stages, dive bars and county fairs, to arenas, stadiums, and Vegas theaters, Brooks has shattered attendance records since his first tour. On August 7, 1997, Brooks drew the largest crowd ever to attend a concert in New York’s Central Park with an audience of 850,000 – 1.2M fans.
‘Choosin’ Texas’ Named Billboard Song Of The Summer
/by Madison HahnenElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
“Choosin’ Texas” continues its historic run as the Ella Langley smash hit has been named No. 1 on the Billboard Songs of the Summer Chart 2026.
The 20-song chart ranks the most popular songs based on their combined streaming, radio and sales performance on the Billboard Hot 100 from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This year’s tracking period covers charts dated June 6 through Sept. 12. Songs that appeared on the 2025 Songs of the Summer chart or reached the Hot 100 before or during summer 2025 were not eligible for this year’s ranking.
“Choosin’ Texas” has topped the Hot 100 for 21 weeks and counting, including 11 straight weeks since July 4. During its run, country songs, defined as songs that have appeared on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, made up the Hot 100’s entire top five for the first time in August.
The tune is also a rare Songs of the Summer winner that was released the previous year, debuting in October 2025. The last song to do so was OMI’s “Cheerleader,” which won in 2015 after being released in May 2014. However, “Cheerleader” first appeared on the Hot 100 in 2015, while “Choosin’ Texas” debuted in 2025. That makes “Choosin’ Texas” the first Songs of the Summer No. 1 in 30 years to enter the Hot 100 in a previous year. The last was Los Del Rio’s “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix),” which won the 1996 Songs of the Summer ranking after spending 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, where it debuted in September 1995.
Country music also made history by claiming the top three spots on the Songs of the Summer chart for the first time. “Choosin’ Texas” led the way, followed by Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” at No. 2 and Langley’s “Be Her” at No. 3.
Industry Ink: Kane Brown, Warren Zeiders, Gabby Barrett, Carly Pearce, Cleve Francis, More
/by Madison HahnenAmazon Music Hosts ‘Off To College’ With Kane Brown
Kane Brown. Photo: Hunter Smith
On Saturday (Sept. 5), Kane Brown performed for “Amazon Music presents Off to College” at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The exclusive concert and livestream featured a set filled with Brown’s hits and recent releases including “Woman” and “Boots.”
Warren Zeiders Visits SiriusXM Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Charly Salvatore, “Trapper” John Morris, Tom Martens, Victoria Alfonso, Warren Zeiders, Buzz Brainard, Jordan Hatton and Nick Elliott.
Warren Zeiders recently visited the SiriusXM Nashville office. While there, Zeiders took part in an interview with Buzz Brainard as well as a listen through his upcoming album No Brakes, releasing Sept. 25 via Warner Records.
Gabby Barrett Performs For Inaugural ‘AMERICA’S TAILGATE ON CBS’
Gabby Barrett performs during America’s Tailgate. Photo: Tibrina Hobsonr/CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Gabby Barrett performed for CBS’ AMERICA’S TAILGATE ON CBS on Monday night (Sept. 7). She performed her new single “In On It.” Barrett also joined Chef Keith Corbin for a segment discussing their favorite game day foods including Barrett’s signature sandwich “The Gabby,” created in partnership with Pittsburgh-born restaurant chain Primanti Bros.
Additional performers on AMERICA’S TAILGATE ON CBS included Chase Rice, John Legend and Sheryl Crow. The special can be viewed here.
Carly Pearce Celebrates Five Years As Grand Ole Opry Member
Pictured (L-R): BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Cindy Finke, Cheyana Weekley, JoJamie Hahr, Carly Pearce and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Shelley Hargis, Matt Zahn and Mark Logsdon.
Carly Pearce recently celebrated five years of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry, as well as the release of her album Honest Woman alongside some of her BBR Music Group label team.
CMHOFM Hosts Book Talk With Cleve Francis
The museum’s Senior Director of Editorial Paul Kingsbury and Cleve Francis at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
This past weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a book talk with country artist and cardiologist Cleve Francis, who shared stories from his new autobiography, Do My Heart Good: My Odyssey Through Country Music, Medicine, and History. The book is co-published by the museum’s CMF Press and the University of Illinois Press. Francis also performed and signed copies of the book, with the program led by the museum’s Senior Director of Editorial Paul Kingsbury. He also made his Grand Ole Opry debut as a featured performer this weekend.
Do My Heart Good follows Francis’ journey from growing up in poverty in rural Louisiana to becoming a successful physician and one of the few Black artists signed to a major country music label in the 1990s. The book explores his love of music, career in medicine and determination to overcome racial barriers, offering a look at his experiences in the country music industry and the challenges he faced along the way.
Ana Cristina Cash Performs Intimate Songwriter Session At CMHOFM
Ana Cristina Cash. Photo: Rebecca Warfield
On Aug. 29, Ana Cristina Cash performed songs from her bilingual country album, The Sunshine State, and more while sharing the stories behind them during a Songwriter Session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. She was accompanied by guitarist Dave Daeger.