Frank Ray’s Upcoming EP ‘Good For The Soul’ Set For June

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Frank Ray will release his new EP Good For The Soul on June 26 via Broken Bow Records.

He offered fans a preview of the EP with the new track “Third Row George Strait,” the first song from the project, released last Friday (May 1). Penned by Ben Hayslip, Dan Isbell and Ben Stennis, the single has a nostalgic summer romance feel with up-tempo energy.

“After sitting with the demo for a while and stacking new songs, I started drifting away from this song. Not because it wasn’t great, I just hadn’t made it mine yet. But after working on it with my producer a bit more, everything clicked,” says Ray. “Now I can’t stop playing the song and I hope it hits fans the same way it hit me the first and second time around – it’s kind of like falling in love with your someone all over again.”

The new EP features songs written by Matt Dragstrem, Michael Carter, Brett Kissel, Seth Mosley, and more, and includes a collaboration with Tracy Lawrence on the title track.

Ray premiered the new single “Third Row George Strait” live at the Grand Ole Opry last weekend on Saturday night (May 2).

Good For The Soul Track List:
1. “One Way To Do It” (Matt Dragstrem, Jordan Minton, Seth Ennis)
2. “Lookin’ Out For Me” (Frank Ray, Seth Mosley, Joybeth Taylor)
3. “Third Row George Strait” (Ben Hayslip, Dan Isbell, Ben Stennis)
4. “Hard To Be A Hero” (Frank Ray, Trannie Anderson, Jordan Walker, Seth Mosley)
5. “Good For The Soul” – Frank Ray and Tracy Lawrence (Tim Nichols, Michael Carter, Brett Kissel)

Jon Pardi To Release 10th Anniversary Edition Of ‘California Sunrise’

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Jon Pardi is celebrating 10 years since his breakthrough album California Sunrise with the release of the California Sunrise (10th Anniversary Edition), due out June 12 via MCA.

The triple Platinum, chart-topping album revived honky-tonk swagger and launched Pardi as one of the format’s most distinct voices. Alongside the album’s original 12 songs, the celebratory edition includes three new tracks from the vault: “Drinkin’ and Dancin’,” “If I Had Another Heart,” and “How Did You Know.”

California Sunrise spawned five Platinum-or-better singles, including the 7x-Platinum “Head Over Boots” and 6x-Platinum “Dirt On My Boots.”

“Ten years ago I made a record that would unknowingly change my life,” says Pardi. “Since then, it’s been one hell of a ride—my family has grown, I’ve seen the world, and I’m out here living my dream. It’s pretty damn cool to see how much people continue to embrace this project even all these years later. Thankful for the last ten and looking forward to the next.”

Kate Lazzari Joins Messina Touring

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Kate Lazzari. Photo: Rachel Deeb

Industry veteran Kate Lazzari has joined the team at Messina Touring.

Lazzari comes to Messina with nearly a decade of experience from Concerts West, the boutique touring division of AEG Presents, where she spent the past eight years on the booking team. During her tenure, she contributed to international tours for artists including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Ado, Simone Biles, KALEO, Drake Milligan and Aly & AJ. Her work has taken her across North America, South America and Europe, providing road experiences where she played a key role in artist support and development, tour logistics and operational execution on a global scale.

In her new role at Messina Touring Group, Lazzari will support the company’s full artist roster while also contributing to new touring opportunities and strategic growth initiatives.

“We are so excited to have Kate join our team,” says Haley McCollister, President, Nashville. “Her experience and passion make her a perfect fit for Messina Touring. She will be an integral part of our continued growth, and our clients will greatly benefit from having her in their corner.”

“I’m thrilled to join Messina Touring, an exceptional team with an extraordinary legacy in live entertainment,” shares Lazzari. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to supporting artists and contributing to their continued success in live music.”

Lazzari can be reached here.

Jamey Johnson, Alan Jackson, Mickey Guyton Among National Memorial Day Concert Lineup

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The National Memorial Day Concert, set to air live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on May 24, will feature performances from Mickey Guyton, Jamey Johnson, Alan Jackson, Andy Grammer, Mary McCormack, Blessing Offor and the National Symphony Orchestra.

“We honor and remember all our American heroes, from the all-volunteer force that won our independence in the American Revolution to the over one-million men and women who have given their lives since our nation’s founding 250 years ago,” says co-host Joe Mantegna.

“Joe and I are deeply honored to co-host this 37-year tradition at the U.S. Capitol and salute those who have worn the uniform – past and present – and their families who have stood beside them,” adds co-host Gary Sinise.

The night will feature segments including 1776 American Revolution, WWII 85th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, 25th Anniversary Remembrance of 9/11 Attacks, Vietnam War Veterans Tribute, Gold Star Families Tribute and more.

The concert will stream here.

Midland Readies New Album Due In June

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Midland will release their new record, Stages, on June 12 via Blue Highway Records.

The 10-track project was produced by Trent Willmon and features writing credits from Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols, Seth Ennis, Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin, Josh Osborne and more.

Clint Black joins the band on “Up In Texas,” and the album features the previously-released track “I Wish You Would” with Mackenzie Carpenter.

“We’ve gone so many places and done so many things,” shares bassist/vocalist Cameron Duddy. “I think we got to that place in the road where we wanted to pull it all together. The title is really a tribute to all the places where we’ve made our stand, but it’s also about all the phases and stages we’ve been through to get here.”

“And the more you dig into country’s roots, the more there is to work with,” adds frontman Mark Wystrach. “We’ve always had real respect for the original Texas and California country, so this album lets us pull all that through the songs we’ve written and found to really focus on what matters to us.”

“Nashville, Texas, California, everywhere in between; we’ve been in a pick-up, then a van and finally a bus – it’s all in these songs,” says guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson. “The road dust, sweat, music listened to, it all seeps into who we are and what we do.”

Stages Tracklist:
1. “Marlboro Man” (Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols, Josh Thompson)*
2. “One Day You Won’t” (Seth Ennis, Mike Robinson, Matt Roy)*
3. “Shooting Memories With Tequila” (Ryan Beaver, Joe Clemmons, Mike Walker)*
4. “Walk A Mile” (Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin, Michael White)*
5. “Glass Half Empty” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)*
6. “I Wish You Would (with Mackenzie Carpenter)” (Mackenzie Carpenter, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore)^
7. “Up In Texas (feat. Clint Black)” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Josh Osborne, Bryan Simpson)%
8. “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” (Michael Henderson, Chris Stapleton)*
9. “Drunk Enough” (Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach, Nathan Barlowe, Jamie Moore)*
10. “Vaquero” (Joseph Patton, Brett Sheroky, Dan Wilson)*
* produced by Trent Willmon
^ produced by Jamie Moore
% produced by Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy, Jess Carson, and Trent Willmon

Frank Rogers Receives South Carolina’s Highest Honor

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Frank Rogers and Governor McMaster. Photo: South Carolina Governor’s Office

CEO of Spirit Music and President of Fluid Music Revolution Frank Rogers received his home state’s highest honor on April 30 as the Honorable Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina, presented him with the Order of the Palmetto.

As a producer, Rogers’ work has resulted in 46 No. 1 singles and over 80 top twenty singles, with more than 40 singles and 20 albums being certified by the RIAA as Diamond, multi-Platinum, Platinum or Gold. He has amassed 18 CMA award nominations with one win, and 27 ACM award nominations with five wins. He was awarded MusicRow’s Producer of the Year four times, and Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer honor five times.

As a songwriter, Rogers has had songs recorded by artists such as Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Hootie and The Blowfish, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, Clint Black, Charlie Wilson, Thompson Square, Scotty McCreery, Maddie and Tae, Julie Roberts, Montgomery Gentry, Steve Holy, Michael Ray, Lee Brice, Kidd Rock, Billy Gibbons, Tim Montana, The Cadillac Three and Frank Ray, among others. He has earned 10 No. 1 tracks, including the recent chart-topper “Bottle Rockets,” recorded by Scotty McCreery and Hootie and the Blowfish. He has received 16 ASCAP Songwriter Awards to date.

As an executive, Rogers is the former VP of EMI Nashville Productions where he signed artists including Brad Paisley and Darryl Worley. In 1999, Rogers opened up Sea Gayle Music with Paisley and Chris DuBois where he signed artists including Chris Stapleton and Ingrid Andress.

In 2016, he opened Fluid Music Revolution and in 2019 he was named the CEO of Spirit Music Nashville. In 2022, Rogers was named Chief Creative Officer for Spirit Music and in 2025 rose to CEO of Spirit Music.

He and his wife Jessica endowed a scholarship at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Business, and co-founded Notes For Education which supports arts education in Nashville, Tennessee and Napa, California.

Gavin Adcock Returns To Las Vegas In December For NFR Show

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Gavin Adcock. Photo: Madelyn Ormond

Gavin Adcock will return to The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas with the “The Day I Hang It Up Tour” for his third consecutive National Finals Rodeo performance on Thursday, Dec. 10.

Tickets for the National Finals Rodeo season performance go on sale on May 8.

Adcock’s “The Day I Hang It Up Tour” kicks off this Thursday (May 7) in Florida and visits 27 cities through Nov. 14, including Cincinnati, Lubbock, Birmingham, Savannah, Boston and more. To date, Adcock has amassed over 1.5 billion global streams across his catalog.

AEG Presents Reveals Strategic Partnership With Outback Presents

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AEG Presents has formed a strategic partnership with Outback Presents, bringing together AEG Presents’ global live platform with Outback Presents’ category defining expertise in stand-up and comedy festivals and touring.

Founded in 1996, Outback Presents has built a leading position in comedy touring and promotes tours, festivals, and live comedy events across North America, including Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival.

Under the leadership of Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mike Smardak and Co-CEO Brian Dorfman, Outback Presents has become a market leader and an influential incubator of new comedy talent. Smardak, a multiple‑time recipient of IEBA’s Promoter of the Year honor as well as an IEBA Hall of Fame inductee, co‑created the Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival. His work has earned industry recognition, including Pollstar Impact 50 honors and designation as a 2024 Billboard Touring Power Player.

In addition to his role as Co-CEO of Outback Presents, Dorfman co-owns a range of premier comedy venues across the country, including multiple Improv locations and Stand Up Live in Phoenix, with his deepest roots and most hands-on involvement in Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work closely with AEG Presents,” says Smardak and Dorfman in a joint statement. “The company brings a market-leading perspective and presence to the live events business, while remaining intentional about protecting the identity of their unique business units.  It feels global and bespoke at the same time.”

“Outback Presents has built an enviable business from the ground up, and our intent is to let them do what they do best: create best in class comedy events,” says Shawn Trell, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, AEG Presents. “This partnership is founded, like so many of the ones we seek out at AEG Presents, on collaborating with true visionaries who complement our business strategy in meaningful and creative ways.”

Ascend Amphitheater Celebrates 2026 Kick Off

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Pictured (L-R): Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Metro Parks Director Monique Horton Odom, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties Colin Reed and CEO of Ascend Federal Credit Union Matt Jernigan

Representatives from Opry Entertainment Group, Ascend Federal Credit Union and Metro Nashville Government joined Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Friday (May 1) to kick off the 2026 Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater season before the venue’s inaugural show under its new OEG’s 10-year management contract.

The event brought the unveiling of a new bridge connector for the Riverfront Park Greenway, which runs alongside the amphitheater. The $1 million investment, funded as part of OEG’s more than $12 million capital improvement pledge, will allow access to a stretch of the greenway that was previously closed to the public.

“We’ve long dreamed of activating the riverfront instead of just driving over it,” says Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “We’re taking a big step forward here today. One of the best settings for a live music venue anywhere is now even better, thanks to new operator Opry Entertainment, and the beautiful greenway connection which will allow continuous access to a key stretch that was previously closed to the public.”

“Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater is a crown jewel asset for the Nashville community that will soon be regarded as one of the best outdoor music venues in the country,” adds Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “As longtime caretakers of some of the world’s most beloved music venues, we will steward this facility in the same manner as our owned assets, with the guest and artist experience guiding every decision we make. Every improvement made to prepare for the season, including this important greenway connector, was designed with fans, artists and the community in mind.”

Additional venue enhancements include new permanent seats complete with the installation of new artificial turf, enhanced VIP boxes with new furniture, dedicated servers, elevated food menus and elevated drink offerings, a redesigned and enhanced VIP lounge, new artist friends and family viewing decks and newly remodeled artist dressing rooms, the all-new “Gearstand” fan zone, where ticket holders can purchase merchandise and buy or rent lawn chairs and blankets, the all-new “Tennessee Tailgate,” where ticketholders can enjoy picnic tables and lawn games before or during shows, three refurbished concessions stands with brand new kitchen equipment to provide enhanced menu options, new bar kiosks throughout the venue, and new retail items including a limited edition Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater poster.

OEG plans to hold up to 35 concert events annually at Ascend Amphitheater with a portion of each ticket sold benefiting Nashville Parks Foundation.

Ascend Amphitheater 2026 Schedule:
Russell Dickerson – Friday, May 8
An Evening with David Byrne – Saturday, May 9
Yellowcard – Monday, June 8
Charlie Puth – Tuesday, June 9
Yacht Rock Symphony in Concert – Tuesday, June 23
Young The Giant – Saturday, June 27
Lindsey Stirling – Wednesday, July 22
Turnpike Troubadors – Friday, July 24
Zeds Dead – Saturday, July 25
The Pussycat Dolls – Wednesday, July 29
Hilary Duff – Thursday, July 30
Train – Friday, July 31
Bob Dylan – Saturday, August 1
Tape B x Levity – Saturday, August 8
Jack Johnson – Tuesday, August 25
Bert Kreischer – Saturday, September 12
Shaboozey – Friday, September 18
Dermot Kennedy – Sunday, October 11

BREAKING: Bill Macky Joins Quartz Hill Music Group

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Bill Macky.

Bill Macky has joined Quartz Hill Music Group as Senior Vice President of Promotion & Marketing, effective immediately. In his new role, he will lead radio strategy for both the Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records roster of artists.

Macky brings over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry to the role. He joins Quartz Hill after 13 years as the Vice President of Promotion at Black River Entertainment. During his time at Black River, he helped Kelsea Ballerini earn seven No. 1 hits, as well as working alongside Chris Young.

His other previous career stops include MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville and several independent record labels. Before label work, Macky spent 16 years in radio at WDSY-Pittsburgh, KSON-San Diego, KRTY-San Jose, KNCI-Sacramento and KUZZ-Bakersfield.

“My thanks to Benny [Brown], Paul [Brown], Jason [Sellers], and Ash [Bowers] and their entire staff for this opportunity and their belief in me,” says Macky. “We’re going to build something great! Quartz Hill Music Group has an outstanding roster of artists with so much potential! I’m looking forward to helping them bring these incredible artists to Country Radio and their fans. Let’s GO!!”

“I am excited to have Bill joining our Quartz Hill Music Group family! He’s worked with some of the best of the best in Nashville and has had great success at each step in his career,” adds says QHMG Founder/President Benny Brown. As our QHMG family continues to grow, Bill will be an important part of our efforts to help our artists achieve their dreams!”

Macky will report directly to Benny Brown, Paul Brown, Sellers and Bowers. He can be reached here.

Additionally, VP, Promotion Will Robinson and Dir. Promotion April Rider have exited the company after six years.

Robinson began his career at WQYK/WRBQ in Tampa, WNEW in New York, and WCAT in Harrisburg before going into the label system. As a regional, he worked with RPM, IRS, and Reviver, before rising to Vice President at Quartz Hill Records. He can be reached here.

Rider has previous career stops as managing partner at RPM Entertainment, General Manager at Stoney Creek Records and VP of Promotion at Curb Records. She can be reached here.