CMA has announced its 2025 class of CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence, honoring 30 outstanding educators nationwide who are using the power of music to transform lives.
Now in its ninth year, Music Teachers of Excellence recognizes music educators who demonstrate teaching excellence, create positive learning environments, and make a lasting impact in their communities. Each honoree will receive a $5,000 award, split evenly between personal use and their classroom or program. Honorees are also invited to participate in a year of professional development and engagement with CMA’s broader network, including special access to CMA Fest and the CMA Awards.
“Music Teachers of Excellence is about shining a light on educators who are transforming the lives of their students every single day,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “These teachers are leaders, mentors, and changemakers, and they deserve to feel seen and uplifted by our music community. This program isn’t just a moment of recognition; it’s a way for our industry to stand behind them and say, ‘We’re with you.’”
The 2025 class will be honored at a red carpet gala on Sept. 10, at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center that brings together teachers, artists, community leaders, and music industry professionals for an unforgettable celebration of impact, creativity, and connection.
To further elevate the event, CMA has assembled a Music Teachers of Excellence Planning Committee, comprised of leaders from across the country music industry who are lending their voices and resources to support the gala’s production and the honorees’ overall experience. Planning Committee members include: Sloane Cavitt Logue(WME), Sarah DeMarco (Amazon Music), Copeland Issacson (YouTube), Lucia Kaminsky (Sandbox Entertainment), Neil Lawi (WWE Music Group), Rakiyah Marshall England (Back Blocks Music), Gemma McInturff (Spotify), Morgan Mills (Command Shift), Jake Roggenbuck (MCA), Mark Thomas (Paramount), Sara Foster (TV and Live Event Producer), Halie Hampton Mosley (Why & How), and Hannah Wilson (MCA).
“As someone who has seen firsthand how music can transform lives, I’m honored to help champion these educators who are doing incredible work every day,” says Sloane Cavitt Logue, WME Partner & Head of Client Strategy and Planning Committee Chair. “This program is a powerful reminder that our industry’s future begins in classrooms across the country, and that we all have a role to play in supporting it.”
The 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence:
Midwest:
Justin Antos, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL
Jeremy Bartunek, Greenbrier School, Northbrook, IL
Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, O’Fallon Township High School, O’Fallon, IL
Dr. Kathryn Spangler, Mt. Vernon High School, Fortville, IN
Brandon Dittgen, Milford High School, Milford, OH
Hong Le, Ellsworth Hill Elementary School, Hudson, OH
Matthew Shephard, Meridian Early College High School, Sanford, MI
Eric Songer, Chaska Middle School West, Chaska, MN
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic:
Erin Althen, West Hill High School, Syracuse, NY
Theresa Iacarino, Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School, Towson, MD
Southeast:
Michael Antmann, Freedom High School, Orlando, FL
Nick Blue, Franklin High School, Franklin, TN
Chuck Brown, Head Magnet Middle School, Nashville, TN
Neshawn Calloway, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga, TN
Reggie Coleman, Rocky Fork Middle School, Smyrna, TN
Jandrea Crum, Chimneyrock Elementary School, Cordova, TN
Garrett Doo, Smyrna High School, Smyrna, TN
Nicholas Efstathiou, Riverdale High School, Murfreesboro, TN
Marisa Frank, Explore! Community School, Nashville, TN
Elaina Gallas, Mill Creek Elementary School, Nolensville, TN
Jason Glashauser, South Clinton Elementary School, Clinton, TN
Carolyn Hankins, Page Middle School, Franklin, TN
Elisabeth Lay, Downtown Elementary School, Memphis, TN
Anna Maria Miller, Hume-Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN
Dave Petrelli, Lockeland Design Center Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Allison Snyder, Hunters Lane High School, Nashville, TN
Southwest:
Sara Duce, Greenfield Junior High School, Gilbert, AZ
West:
Megan Perdue, Sheldon High School, Eugene, OR
Ethan Chessin, Camas High School, Camas, WA
Haviland Gilbert, Lincoln Elementary School, Kennewick, WA
CMA Reveals Additional Performers For 2025 Festival
/by Madison HahnenK. Michelle will perform the national anthem on Thursday night at Nissan Stadium, kicking off the weekend’s nighttime shows. Opening each night at the stadium will be Charles Esten (June 5), Rita Wilson (June 6), Deana Carter (June 7) and Rodney Atkins (June 8).
Nissan Stadium shows will also feature special collaborations, with Marcus King joining Brooks & Dunn on Thursday, Carín León joining Cody Johnson on Friday, and Carly Pearce joining Rascal Flatts on Saturday. Scotty McCreery and Dylan Scott will also make special appearances throughout the weekend.
CMA is also bringing back its Platform Stage, giving rising stars the chance to perform in between stadium sets in the center of the action. Thursday will showcase Max McNown and Tigirlily Gold, Friday will spotlight Sam Barber and Kameron Marlowe, Saturday will highlight Carter Faith and Tiera Kennedy, while Sunday will close out with Avery Anna, Kashus Culpepper and Tucker Wetmore.
In addition to the new stadium performances, Annie Bosko will play at the Hard Rock Stage on Saturday, and the Dr Pepper Amp Stage will feature a set by the United States Marine Band on Sunday.
Jenna Paulette Launches Collaboration With Justin Boots
/by Lauryn SinkJenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Jenna Paulette has launched her new boot line in collaboration with Justin Boots. The Sunrise and Sunset Collection is available now.
“It’s a dream come true to create this line with Justin,” Paulette shares. “It’s a cowboy boot, with a spur lip and durable sole, made for work but pretty enough to wear out on the town. The Sunrise And Sunset boot – excited to see them live up to their name!”
Crafted with honey roughout leather in Justin’s El Paso, Texas factory, the boots come in 11” and 17” heights, and are built for durability, style and function. Each pair features a spur ledge, pull holes and a traditional leather outsole.
Sunrise and Sunset Boots
Paulette will continue on her headlining “Horseback Acoustic Tour” through the summer. The tour, which initially traversed her home region of Texas and Oklahoma, will make additional stops in Wisconsin and Illinois in June. At each tour stop, fans will have a chance to enter to win a gift card valid for the purchase of one CowboyGirl shirt and pair of Justin boots, courtesy of Justin Boots and Ely Cattleman.
Ryan Aviation Group Announces Board Of Directors
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, top row): Bill Silva (CEO, Bill Silva Entertainment), Brent Daughrity (CEO, Gallagher & Co); (L-R, bottom row): Josh Joseph (CEO, Big Plan Holdings / Founder, Edgehill Music Publishing), Dan Ryan (Owner, Ryan Aviation Group)
Ryan Aviation Group, a Nashville-based private luxury aviation travel company, has officially announced its board of directors. The board includes some of the entertainment industry’s most notable leaders including Bill Silva, CEO of Bill Silva Entertainment, Brent Daughrity, CEO of Gallagher & Co, Josh Joseph, CEO of Big Plan Holdings/Founder of Edgehill Music Publishing, and Dan Ryan, owner of Ryan Aviation Group. Together, the board will use their expertise in different fields to advise and guide infrastructure to foster expansion and growth.
“I am incredibly proud to introduce our first-ever board of directors — a group of exceptional humans whose ethos, expertise and character embody the very spirit of Ryan Aviation Group,” says Ryan. “Each member was handpicked with great care, not only for their experience but for the synergy and alignment they bring to our shared vision. I have the utmost respect for this board, and I’m confident that together, we will elevate our service to meet the evolving needs of clients across the globe. This is more than leadership — it’s a partnership that will guide our company into its next era with integrity, innovation and purpose.”
Founded in 2017 and recently relocating to Nashville, Ryan Aviation Group provides specialist private travel services to the music and film industries in addition to its broader roster of clients. Ryan Aviation Group prides itself on not exposing clients to any long-term upfront costs, restrictive contracts, usage limits or app booking fees and setting itself apart by focusing on the human experience.
Luke Combs & Maren Morris Among Lineup For Austin City Limits Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs and Maren Morris are among the packed slate of artists set to perform at the upcoming Austin City Limits Music Festival October 3-5 and October 10-13 at Zilker Park in Austin.
Other artists on the star-studded bill include Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Doja Cat, The Strokes, John Summit, Doechii, Feid, Cage the Elephant, T-Pain, Empire of the Sun, Djo, Pierce the Veil, Rilo Kiley, Mk.gee, Zeds Dead, Sammy Virji, Polo & Pan, Role Model, and many more.
Each year, ACL Fest also features a lineup of homegrown talent, and this year’s showcase of Texas natives features a diverse and dynamic mix, including Maren Morris, Dylan Gossett, Tanner Usrey, Asleep at the Wheel, INOHA, Johnny Stimson, SL Houser, Geto Gala, Farmer’s Wife, Alex Amen, Shallowater, Aaron Page, Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective, Disciples of Christ, and many more.
Bonus Tracks brings the biggest party to the smallest stage at Zilker Park as a hub of culture, connection, and good vibes comes alive between music sets with a diverse lineup of programming. Artist and thought leader interviews, podcast recordings, cooking demos, drag performances, and creative ways to move your body and recharge your mind are part of the lineup. Past highlights include Brené Brown in conversation with Dave Grohl and Brett Goldstein, intimate chats with Billie Eilish, Noah Cyrus, Medium Build, and The Beaches, high-energy dance parties with Bob’s Dance Shop, and the best of Austin Drag hosting bingo and unforgettable shows.
Tickets for the nine-stage, two weekend celebration of music and community are on sale now at aclfestival.com.
CMA Reveals 2025 CMA Foundation 2025 Music Teachers Of Excellence Class
/by Lorie HollabaughCMA has announced its 2025 class of CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence, honoring 30 outstanding educators nationwide who are using the power of music to transform lives.
Now in its ninth year, Music Teachers of Excellence recognizes music educators who demonstrate teaching excellence, create positive learning environments, and make a lasting impact in their communities. Each honoree will receive a $5,000 award, split evenly between personal use and their classroom or program. Honorees are also invited to participate in a year of professional development and engagement with CMA’s broader network, including special access to CMA Fest and the CMA Awards.
“Music Teachers of Excellence is about shining a light on educators who are transforming the lives of their students every single day,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “These teachers are leaders, mentors, and changemakers, and they deserve to feel seen and uplifted by our music community. This program isn’t just a moment of recognition; it’s a way for our industry to stand behind them and say, ‘We’re with you.’”
The 2025 class will be honored at a red carpet gala on Sept. 10, at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center that brings together teachers, artists, community leaders, and music industry professionals for an unforgettable celebration of impact, creativity, and connection.
To further elevate the event, CMA has assembled a Music Teachers of Excellence Planning Committee, comprised of leaders from across the country music industry who are lending their voices and resources to support the gala’s production and the honorees’ overall experience. Planning Committee members include: Sloane Cavitt Logue(WME), Sarah DeMarco (Amazon Music), Copeland Issacson (YouTube), Lucia Kaminsky (Sandbox Entertainment), Neil Lawi (WWE Music Group), Rakiyah Marshall England (Back Blocks Music), Gemma McInturff (Spotify), Morgan Mills (Command Shift), Jake Roggenbuck (MCA), Mark Thomas (Paramount), Sara Foster (TV and Live Event Producer), Halie Hampton Mosley (Why & How), and Hannah Wilson (MCA).
“As someone who has seen firsthand how music can transform lives, I’m honored to help champion these educators who are doing incredible work every day,” says Sloane Cavitt Logue, WME Partner & Head of Client Strategy and Planning Committee Chair. “This program is a powerful reminder that our industry’s future begins in classrooms across the country, and that we all have a role to play in supporting it.”
The 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence:
Midwest:
Justin Antos, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL
Jeremy Bartunek, Greenbrier School, Northbrook, IL
Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, O’Fallon Township High School, O’Fallon, IL
Dr. Kathryn Spangler, Mt. Vernon High School, Fortville, IN
Brandon Dittgen, Milford High School, Milford, OH
Hong Le, Ellsworth Hill Elementary School, Hudson, OH
Matthew Shephard, Meridian Early College High School, Sanford, MI
Eric Songer, Chaska Middle School West, Chaska, MN
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic:
Erin Althen, West Hill High School, Syracuse, NY
Theresa Iacarino, Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School, Towson, MD
Southeast:
Michael Antmann, Freedom High School, Orlando, FL
Nick Blue, Franklin High School, Franklin, TN
Chuck Brown, Head Magnet Middle School, Nashville, TN
Neshawn Calloway, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga, TN
Reggie Coleman, Rocky Fork Middle School, Smyrna, TN
Jandrea Crum, Chimneyrock Elementary School, Cordova, TN
Garrett Doo, Smyrna High School, Smyrna, TN
Nicholas Efstathiou, Riverdale High School, Murfreesboro, TN
Marisa Frank, Explore! Community School, Nashville, TN
Elaina Gallas, Mill Creek Elementary School, Nolensville, TN
Jason Glashauser, South Clinton Elementary School, Clinton, TN
Carolyn Hankins, Page Middle School, Franklin, TN
Elisabeth Lay, Downtown Elementary School, Memphis, TN
Anna Maria Miller, Hume-Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN
Dave Petrelli, Lockeland Design Center Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Allison Snyder, Hunters Lane High School, Nashville, TN
Southwest:
Sara Duce, Greenfield Junior High School, Gilbert, AZ
West:
Megan Perdue, Sheldon High School, Eugene, OR
Ethan Chessin, Camas High School, Camas, WA
Haviland Gilbert, Lincoln Elementary School, Kennewick, WA
Morgan Wallen Announces One Night Only Show In London
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen will return to London for an exclusive one night only show at Camden’s Roundhouse on May 28 to celebrate the release of his album, I’m The Problem.
Tickets are available to fans who preorder I’m The Problem in any format from the Morgan Wallen UK store before 10 a.m. BST on May 13.
Set to be released on May 16, the 37-track album features collaborations with pop superstars Post Malone and Tate McRae, plus close friends Eric Church, Ernest and Hardy. The project sparked Wallen’s 2025 U.S. “I’m The Problem Tour.” Kicking off June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, Wallen’s 20-show run will include stops in Seattle, Washington, Foxborough, Massachusetts, Toronto, Ontario and more.
“A lot of the concepts and things we said were a little more difficult with this album,” Wallen says of the writing and refining process. “We were trying to dig deep on things and trying to find new angles. And I feel like we did that. I feel like there’s a lot of stuff that I haven’t said in this record, which I’m really, really proud of.”
Presenters Revealed For 60th Annual ACM Awards
/by Madison HahnenThe Academy of Country Music has revealed the presenters for its 60th Annual ACM Awards, taking place tomorrow (May 8).
Among those in the presenting lineup is Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Clint Black, Crystal Gayle, Ernest, Gabby Barrett, Gretchen Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Jordan Davis, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Rita Wilson, Sara Evans, Sugarland, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Wynonna Judd. Additionally, NASCAR driver Chase Elliott will present, as well as Amazon Music’s co-hosts of Country Heat Weekly, Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton.
Bobby Bones will also be on hand throughout the night to provide honest artist interviews.
The 60th Annual ACM Awards will take place tomorrow (May 8) at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Hosted by Reba McEntire, the show will stream on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch starting at 7 p.m. CT.
Evan Bartels Slates ‘To Make You Cry 2025 Tour’ For Summer
/by Lauryn SinkRising singer-songwriter Evan Bartels is set to hit the road this summer on his “To Make You Cry 2025 Tour.” Bartels will make a stop in Charleston with Joe Nichols and Hank Williams Jr. before heading overseas to support Charles Wesley Godwin in Glasgow, Manchester and Dublin. Bartels will return to the U.S. with cross-country headlining dates, including Hollywood, Charlotte, Decatur, and more, including a home state stop in Venice, Nebraska. Ticket information is available here.
Recorded in his cabin outside of Nashville, Bartels’ six-song debut project, To Make You Cry, is available May 23.
Evan Bartels Tour Dates:
May 6 – Nashville, TN – The Bluebird Café*
May 9 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium^
May 15 – Glasgow, UK – Galvanizers Yard°
May 18 – Manchester, UK – New Century Hall°
May 19 – Dublin, IE – The Academy°
May 21 – Hollywood, CA – The Hotel Cafe
June 12 – Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse
June 13 – Dunn, NC – Bird’s Nest Listening Room
June 14 – Greenville, SC – Doc’s Tavern
June 19 – Urbana, IL – Rose Bowl
June 20 – Riverton, IL – The Backroom Lounge
June 21 – Venice, NE – Buck’s Bar & Grill
June 25 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
August 22-24 – Bottesford, UK – The Long Road Festival
September 9-13 – Nashville, TN – Americanafest
*with Sam Williams and Holly Williams
^supporting Joe Nichols and Hank Williams, Jr.
°supporting Charles Wesley Godwin
DeVille Records Releases Inaugural Project, ‘Cadillac Sessions’
/by Madison HahnenRecently launched DeVille Records has unveiled its debut project, Cadillac Sessions. Label founder Ernest, alongside label artists Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford all lend their voices and songwriting to the project.
Joining Ernest, Walters, Lohden, and Rutherford are a host of other heavy-hitting writers, including Jordan Schmidt, Brad Clawson, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, and more. The album also features collaborations with Lambert on “Another Thing To Love,” Snoop Dogg on “Gettin’ Gone” and Jake Worthington on “Yesterday’s Wine.” The project was co-produced by Ernest, alongside Jacob Durrett and Bart Butler.
“We didn’t hold anything back. There is a timeless Americana feel and the old-Nashville mentality of ‘write your songs’ – and those guys wrote their songs,” says Ernest. “They all love classic country the same way I do, and we’re also with the times of the modern era – we ride those waves really well, too. I’m just happy to shed a little light on what they’re able to do.”
The label will host an album release party on May 12 at Losers in Nashville, starting at 6:30 p.m. with all four artists performing, alongside special guest performances.
Cadillac Sessions Track List:
1. “Gettin’ Gone (feat. Snoop Dogg)” ERNEST (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhett Akins, Calvin Broadus, Ben Hayslip, Mark Holman)
2. “Get Her Name” Rhys Rutherford (Rhys Rutherford, Gavin Lucas, Sam Martinez, Ernest Keith Smith)
3. “Tail Light, Porch Light, Miller Lite” Cody Lohden (Cody Lohden, Matt Mulhare, Dallas Wilson)
5. “Whatever Happened To Us” Chandler Walters (Chandler Paul Walters, Jordan Dozzi, Rhys Rutherford, Rivers Rutherford)
5. “Turn Me Up” ERNEST (Ernest Keith Smith, Dallas Davidson, Chandler Paul Walters)
6. “Worth The Trouble” Chandler Walters (Chandler Paul Walters, Rhys Rutherford, Jordan Schmidt)
7. “Another Thing To Love (feat. Miranda Lambert)” ERNEST (Ernest Keith Smith, Lou Bell, Miranda Lambert, Austin Post, Ryan Vojtesak)
8. “TV On” Cody Lohden (Cody Lohden, Rian Ball, Nick Boyd)
9. “Did It Anyway” ERNEST (Ernest Keith Smith, Brad Clawson, Jordan Dozzi, Chandler Paul Walters)
10. “Southern Belle” Rhys Rutherford (Rhys Rutherford, Clara Park, John Pierce)
11. “Help Me Make It Through The Night” ERNEST (Kris Kristofferson)
12. “One More Last Chance” Chandler Walters (Vince Gill, Gary Nicholson)
13. “Gentle On My Mind” Rhys Rutherford (John Hartford)
14. “Two Dozen Roses” Cody Lohden (Robert Byrne, Mac McAnally)
15. “Yesterday’s Wine (feat. Jake Worthington)” ERNEST (Willie Nelson)
16. “Song Of The South” ERNEST, Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden, Rhys Rutherford (Bob McDill)
Logan Mize Slates ‘Open Road’ EP For June
/by Lauryn SinkLogan Mize. Photo: Sydney Davidson
Logan Mize will release his six-track EP, Open Road, on June 27 via Big Yellow Dog Music. Alongside the announcement, Mize released his newest track, “I Still Do.”
“There have been moments where I honestly questioned, or even felt kind of ‘silly’ continuing as an artist,” said Mize. “I wanted my music to be heard, but I also found myself wanting to skate by unnoticed. I started feeling insecure, second-guessing what I’ve devoted so much of my life to and wondering if I’d lost touch with the optimistic dreamer who once believed anything was possible. I asked myself, ‘What am I hiding from?’ That question opened something up. I leaned into that vulnerability, and the creative spark took hold. Nineteen years into this journey, and I’ve never been more excited to kick into high gear with this new adventure.”
Produced by Randy Montana, Open Road brings together a powerhouse lineup of collaborators including Priscilla Block on “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and Cyndi Thomson on “Matters Of The Heart.” Additional songwriting heavyweights featured on Open Road include Rodney Clawson, Scooter Carouse, Tony Lane, John Pierce, Kyle Sturrock and more.
Open Road Track List:
1. “Open Road” (Logan Mize, Rodney Clawson, Nick Walsh, Kyle Sturrock)
2. “I Still Do” (Logan Mize, Nick Walsh, Kyle Sturrock)
3. “Slowing Down” (Logan Mize, Nick Walsh, Kyle Sturrock)
4. “Matters Of The Heart with Cyndi Thomson” (Logan Mize, Scooter Carusoe aka Travis Hill)
5. “Trucks To Drive” (Randy Montana, Tony Lane, John Pierce)
6. “I Know What You Did Last Summer with Priscilla Block” (Randy Montana, Dustin Lynch, Will Weatherly, Jake Mitchell, Cole Taylor)