Pictured (L-R): Ryan O’Nan, Margaret Hart, Haley Montgomery, Mickey Guyton, Natalie Stovall, Jackie Jones, Morgan Mills, Ania Hammar, Helena Capps, Halie Hampton Mosley and Ward Guenther. Photo: Max Blachman
The first-ever Juice Box Jam, a joint venture between Family Alliance in Music and Whiskey Jam, attracted more than 1,000 attendees to SkyDeck on Broadway on Sunday (April 6) for a family-friendly celebration of live music.
The event marked the inaugural family-focused edition of the Whiskey Jam series. Founded in 2011, Whiskey Jam is renowned for hosting weekly showcases highlighting rising talent and established artists. Typically an adult-centered nightlife staple, Juice Box Jam reinvented the experience, ensuring it was accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age.
Performers for the event included Mickey Guyton, Charlie Worsham, Runaway June, Lanco, Daniel Tashian, Ryan Griffin, Alex Hall, Jaden Michaels and Thelma & James. The day was hosted by Whiskey Jam founder Ward Guenther and SiriusXM host Ania Hammer.
Between sets, families enjoyed activities such as face painting sponsored by the Country Music Association, a craft station hosted by the Tennessee Titans, a photo booth and juice bar provided by Google Fiber, and the Country Music Hall of Fame’s musical instrument petting zoo. RIAA supported the green room and artist services backstage.
“This day was about joy, connection, and creating a music space where families were not only welcomed, but celebrated,” says Margaret Hart, Co-Founder of Family Alliance in Music and YouTube Music’s Head of Nashville Label and Industry Partnerships. “Juice Box Jam was created so parents, caregivers, and kids could all experience the magic of live music together and the response from the community was incredible.”
“Juice Box Jam was the perfect way to bring the spirit of Whiskey Jam into a family-friendly setting,” shares Whiskey Jam’s Guenther. “We were excited to create an experience that’s just as fun for the kids as it is for the parents. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”
“As a mom and an artist, I know how important it is to make space for families in this industry,” adds Guyton. “Events like Juice Box Jam prove that there are opportunities to share live music with our kids. It was such an honor to be part of something that’s helping bring families together for a live music experience.”
Family Alliance in Music is a nonprofit dedicated to building a music industry where professional success and family life can thrive side by side. FAM offers advocacy, education, and financial support to caregivers navigating careers in music. Donations from the event go to further FAM’s mission, and FAM has its first grant open for applications through June 1. The grant is designed to support music professionals balancing career and caregiving responsibilities. More information can be found here.
Whiskey Jam’s First-Ever Juice Box Jam Welcomes Families For Musical Celebration
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Ryan O’Nan, Margaret Hart, Haley Montgomery, Mickey Guyton, Natalie Stovall, Jackie Jones, Morgan Mills, Ania Hammar, Helena Capps, Halie Hampton Mosley and Ward Guenther. Photo: Max Blachman
The first-ever Juice Box Jam, a joint venture between Family Alliance in Music and Whiskey Jam, attracted more than 1,000 attendees to SkyDeck on Broadway on Sunday (April 6) for a family-friendly celebration of live music.
The event marked the inaugural family-focused edition of the Whiskey Jam series. Founded in 2011, Whiskey Jam is renowned for hosting weekly showcases highlighting rising talent and established artists. Typically an adult-centered nightlife staple, Juice Box Jam reinvented the experience, ensuring it was accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age.
Performers for the event included Mickey Guyton, Charlie Worsham, Runaway June, Lanco, Daniel Tashian, Ryan Griffin, Alex Hall, Jaden Michaels and Thelma & James. The day was hosted by Whiskey Jam founder Ward Guenther and SiriusXM host Ania Hammer.
Between sets, families enjoyed activities such as face painting sponsored by the Country Music Association, a craft station hosted by the Tennessee Titans, a photo booth and juice bar provided by Google Fiber, and the Country Music Hall of Fame’s musical instrument petting zoo. RIAA supported the green room and artist services backstage.
“This day was about joy, connection, and creating a music space where families were not only welcomed, but celebrated,” says Margaret Hart, Co-Founder of Family Alliance in Music and YouTube Music’s Head of Nashville Label and Industry Partnerships. “Juice Box Jam was created so parents, caregivers, and kids could all experience the magic of live music together and the response from the community was incredible.”
“Juice Box Jam was the perfect way to bring the spirit of Whiskey Jam into a family-friendly setting,” shares Whiskey Jam’s Guenther. “We were excited to create an experience that’s just as fun for the kids as it is for the parents. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”
“As a mom and an artist, I know how important it is to make space for families in this industry,” adds Guyton. “Events like Juice Box Jam prove that there are opportunities to share live music with our kids. It was such an honor to be part of something that’s helping bring families together for a live music experience.”
Family Alliance in Music is a nonprofit dedicated to building a music industry where professional success and family life can thrive side by side. FAM offers advocacy, education, and financial support to caregivers navigating careers in music. Donations from the event go to further FAM’s mission, and FAM has its first grant open for applications through June 1. The grant is designed to support music professionals balancing career and caregiving responsibilities. More information can be found here.
‘Let’s Talk Nashville’ Cancer Benefit Set For April 14
/by Lauryn SinkBen Jumper’s “Let’s Talk Nashville” benefit is scheduled for April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in downtown Nashville. This event benefits the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Immunotherapy Research at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
“Let’s Talk Nashville” allows guests to dine at tables hosted by long-time industry leaders. This year’s guest hosts include Tony Conway (Conway Entertainment Group), Rod Essig (CAA) and Mike Smardak (Outback Presents). The event also features a silent auction with items donated by each guest host.
“I think cancer touches all of our lives directly or indirectly,” says Jumper, former CEO of Soundcheck and Crew One Production and a cancer survivor himself. “Many cancers are being cured every day because of research. My life was saved by immunotherapy. I had stage four lung cancer, and I just passed the five-year mark. My lungs are clear of cancer. The other part of my journey is to help cure all childhood cancer.”
Tax-deductible tables and individual tickets are on sale here.
Christian Artist Carly Ann Taylor Signs With Curb Records
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, standing): Curb’s Brian Thiele, Doris Bratcher, Jessie Lowe and Giovanna Randolph; Manager Tassia Taylor; Curb’s Trevor Mathiesen; Manager Randy Taylor; Curb’s John Chapman, Benson Curb, Jeri Cooper, Joseph Prielozny and Jonathan Mason; (L-R, seated): Curb’s John Nemoy; Carly Ann Taylor and Celaya Legal’s Chaz Celaya
Christian music artist Carly Ann Taylor has signed with Curb Records.
Hailing from San Diego, California, Taylor was introduced to music at a young age. She began singing in the church her family attended before honing her craft with a degree in commercial music production from Point Loma Nazarene University. Throughout her career, Taylor’s mission is to share a story of hope, healing and redemption.
“I am beyond stoked to be starting my career with the amazing team at Curb Records, the result of a series of events that truly only God could have orchestrated,” says Taylor. “My prayer is that God will use my music to reconcile hearts back to Him, help people realize safety and rest in the Lord through worship music, and guide others to praise wholeheartedly no matter the season of life they may be in.”
Tin Pan South 2025 Wraps After Hosting 12,000 Fans At Over 100 Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughERNEST and Lukas Nelson at The Listening Room Cafe (Jack Daniel’s Stage). Photo: NSAI / LL
The 33rd annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival wrapped another stellar year after welcoming over 12,000 fans March 25-29.
The annual event hosted 105 shows, many sold-out, as songwriters took center stage to showcase their talents and support NSAI’s mission to advocate, educate, celebrate and elevate the profession of songwriting.
The event serves as “reunion” for songwriters, where last-minute lineup additions and surprise guest appearances are part of the tradition, adding to the excitement of the week. Surprise appearances included Lukas Nelson, Abby Anderson and Morgan Evans, along with several songwriters who had already performed in earlier rounds, joining their friends on stage to extend their time at the festival.
Melissa Etheridge, Ashley McBryde, and Shelly Fairchild at The Listening Room Cafe (Jack Daniel’s Stage). Photo: Tom Turk
The shows featured a wide variety of genres and songs spanning decades. Fans were transported back to the Top 40 rock of the ’90s as they joined Melissa Etheridge for her first-ever writers round, performing alongside Ashley McBryde and Shelly Fairchild at The Listening Room Cafe (Jack Daniel’s Stage). Meanwhile, at another performance at 3rd and Lindsley (Visit Music City Stage), fans were treated to a live rendition of the No. 1 hit “I’m Gonna Love You,” performed by co-writer Kelly Archer, in a round that also featured Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobley.
Fans of Nashville got to relive their favorite TV drama through songs when Charles Esten led a round featuring writers from the hit show. Performers included Jaida Dreyer, Andrew Rollins, Trent Dabbs, Buddy Miller and Arum Rae.
Lee Thomas Miller (NSAI Board President), Kelly Archer and Wendell Mobley performing at 3rd and Lindsley (Visit Music City Stage). Photo: NSAI / Chance Phebus
Ticket holders who attended shows at AB Hillsboro Village (Nashville Scene Stage) throughout the week enjoyed singing along to hit pop songs like “Sorry Not Sorry” (Demi Lovato) and “Here” (Alessia Cara) with Pynk Beard, Oak Felder, Austin Nivarel and Dave Pittenger. The venue was also filled with country classics like “Carrying Your Love With Me” and “Carried Away” (George Strait), as well as “Every Mile a Memory” (Dierks Bentley), all co-written by Steve Bogard, who performed alongside KK Johnson, Ben Roberts and Sam Williams.
A new venue this year, Love & Exile in East Nashville hosted folk rock songwriter Judah Akers of Judah and the Lion, as well as outlaw country artist Struggle Jennings, American Idol alumni Chayce Beckham and HunterGirl and several hit country writers.
NSAI will host the 34th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival on March 24-28, 2026.
Jaida Dreyer and Charles Esten at the Alive Hospice Benefit show at 3rd and Lindsley (Visit Music City Stage). Photo: NSAI / Chance Phebus
Pynk Beard, Dave Pittenger, Austin Nivarel, and Oak Felder at AB Hillsboro Village (Nashville Scene Stage). Photo: NSAI / LL
Struggle Jennings and The Heartwreckers at Love & Exile Bar. Photo: Jason Davis
Chandler Nicole Sherrill Joins Electric Feel Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenChandler Nicole Sherrill. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Chandler Nicole Sherrill has joined Electric Feel Entertainment as Senior Director of Creative.
A Nashville native, Sherrill graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After graduation, she spent time as a full-time performer, including gigs as singer, dancer and entertainer, playing at places like Hershey Park and SeaWorld San Antonio, before boarding the General Jackson Showboat in Nashville as a cast member.
After her performing years, Sherrill joined Little Extra Music as a song plugger in 2015. There, she advanced to Creative Director where she worked on cuts for Walker Hayes, Luke Combs and more. Two years later, Sherrill moved to Mv2 Entertainment as Creative Director. During her time there, she worked with Thomas Archer, David Frasier, Josh Thompson and more, earning over 20 No. 1s with artists including Morgan Wallen, Combs, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, among others.
In her new role, she will work alongside artists and songwriters to craft and implement creative strategies, while promoting collaboration among artists, producers and songwriters to shape and achieve their creative goals.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chandler to the Electric Feel family,” says Austin Rosen, Founder & CEO of Electric Feel Entertainment. “Her passion, expertise, and creative vision make her an incredible addition to our team. We look forward to seeing the impact she will have as we continue to push boundaries and shape the future of entertainment.”
“I’m beyond excited to step into the role of Senior Director, Creative at Electric Feel Nashville,” adds Sherrill. “I’m deeply grateful to Austin Rosen and the entire Electric Feel team for this incredible opportunity to fuel my passion for innovation and collaboration. I can’t wait to contribute to the extraordinary talent and creative energy that defines this dynamic company.”
Tortuga Music Festival Wraps 12th Successful Year Of Great Music, Ocean Conservation Awareness
/by Lorie Hollabaugh2025 Tortuga Music Festival. Photo: Ryan Smith
Rock The Ocean’s 12th Annual Tortuga Music Festival wrapped following a packed weekend of entertainment featuring headliners Luke Combs, Jelly Roll and Keith Urban.
Keith Urban. Photo: Demian Becerra
The 12th annual festival brought over 40 artists to the Sunshine State like Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, rap legend Ludacris and more. On Friday, the Sunset Stage kicked off Tortuga with performances from John Morgan and Marcus King. King treated the crowd to a cover of Tyler Childers’ “Shake The Frost,” and was joined by wife, Briley for a few songs. The crowd went wild as Ludacris took the stage to celebrate 25 years of hits with “Money Maker,” “What’s Your Fantasy” and more.
On the Main Stage, the festival opened with Angie K, Gavin DeGraw, Gary Allan and McCollum, who welcomed in the first sunset of the festival with “Pretty Heart” and his new single, “What Kinda Man.” To close out opening night, Jelly Roll delivered an explosive set, lighting up the sky with pyrotechnics during songs like “Liar,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “Save Me.”
The high energy carried into Saturday, with performances on the main stage from the Wheeland Brothers, Wyatt Flores, Meghan Patrick and Davis. On the Sunset Stage, Shaboozey had the crowd singing along to his hits, and The Original Wailers, brought reggae vibes to the crowd, while supergroup Ezra Ray Hart energized the audience with a medley of Sugar Ray’s “When It’s Over” and Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun.” Closing out the Main Stage, Urban ignited the crowd with an unforgettable set filled with classics like “Somebody Like You” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” He also invited up-and-coming artist Karley Scott Collins for a duet on “Go Home W U.”
Megan Moroney. Photo: Demian Becerra
Wrapping up the star-studded weekend, fans at the Sunset Stage were treated to performances from artists like Restless Road, Bumpin Uglies, Yelawolf and a crowd filled with singalongs to Megan Moroney’s hits “Am I Okay” and “No Caller ID.” Over on the Main Stage, the festivities kicked off with Caylee Hammack, who sang a country-laden version of Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” Corey Kent and Cody Jinks also brought their own distinctive energy to the night, which reached its peak as Combs wrapped up the 2025 festival with an energy-filled set full of hits like “Forever After All” and “When It Rains It Pours,” ending the 2025 festival on a high note.
Since its debut in 2013, Tortuga has raised millions and supported over 100 nonprofits dedicated to ocean conservation and marine life protection. These efforts have spanned across the U.S., Bahamas, South Africa and Asia, with groundbreaking research making a real impact. In 2024 alone, 114.7 tons of materials were diverted from landfills through the festival’s sustainability and recycling initiatives. In 2025, Tortuga’s sustainability efforts have focused on three key goals: Reduce, Rethink and Restore. These goals aim to cut down on CO2 emissions and landfill waste, embrace eco-friendly products and cutting-edge technologies, and adopt policies that protect marine ecosystems and champion ocean conservation.
Brett Young Slates New Album ‘2.0’ For June
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Young has announced he’ll release his fourth studio album, 2.0, June 20 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
Young’s new single “Drink With You,” the leadoff track from the album about the struggle of resisting alcohol-induced romantic temptations, is out everywhere on Friday (April 11).
Produced by Jimmy Robbins and Dann Huff, the 11-track collection showcases Young’s growth as an artist, and includes tracks written alongside top-shelf hitmakers and songwriters including Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, Justin Ebach and more. The record features “Who I Do It For,” a collaboration with Lady A rooted in family-driven inspiration, as well as a new version of his Diamond-certified hit “In Case You Didn’t Know” featuring Hannah McFarland. “Full House” from the album captures the life-changing moment of having a first child and the joy that experience brings.
“It’s always my goal to be real and transparent and connect with my audience, whether that means writing a song about what happened yesterday or revisiting past experiences,” shares Young. “It should always be about a connection with the listeners. 2.0 feels really special to me, and I’m very proud of it. I hope it makes people want to come out and see the live show even more.”
With more than 8.5 billion global career streams and seven consecutive No. 1 hits, Young is one of only nine country artists with an RIAA Diamond-certified single among a long list of RIAA-certified hits. He is currently on the road headlining his “Back To Basics World Tour 2025.”
2.0 Track List:
1. “Drink With You” (Brett Young, Jesse Frasure, Tony Lucca, Emily Weisband)
2. “Kiss To Forget” (Brett Young, Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
3. “Who I Do It For (featuring Lady A)” (Brett Young, Jon Nite, Kyle Schlienger)
4. “Goodnight Into Good Morning” (Brett Young, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
5. “That Ain’t Yours” (Brett Young, Adam Hambrick, Jimmy Robbins)
6. “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing (featuring George Birge)” (Brett Young, Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Jon Nite)
7. “Full House” (Brett Young, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite)
8. “Tastes Like You” (Brett Young, Justin Ebach, Noah Needleman, Jon Nite)
9. “You Still Got It” (Brett Young, Dave Pittenger, Justin Wilson)
10. “Say Less” (Brett Young, Ben Caver, Justin Ebach)
11. “In Case You Didn’t Know 2.0 (featuring Hannah McFarland)” (Brett Young, Tyler Reeve, Kyle Schlienger, Trent Tomlinson)
Naomi Johnson Signs With WME
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Braeden Rountree (WME) and Naomi Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of WME
Singer-songwriter Naomi Johnson has inked with WME for worldwide representation in all areas, including touring, brand partnerships, TV, film and digital.
“WME has been a crucial part of helping country artists reach their fans, and I am so excited to get back out on the road and bring my new music to as many people as possible alongside this wonderful team!” says Johnson.
Formerly a founding member of Runaway June, Johnson is now launching her own solo career, with songs expressing personal tales of triumph and resilience. Johnson shared her debut solo single “Bricks Make Houses” on March 28 and will release another track this spring.
“WME is proud to partner with Naomi on her solo project,” shares WME’s Braeden Rountree. “Her story (and ability to tell her story through her music) will connect with a lot of people, and we’re excited to be along for the ride!”
Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum To Open Dolly Parton Exhibit
/by LB CantrellThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will spotlight the life and legacy of one of country music’s most celebrated figures in its upcoming exhibition “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker,” opening May 20 and running through September 2026.
The exhibition will trace Parton’s extraordinary career across more than six decades, highlighting pivotal moments where she defied expectations, overcame setbacks and forged her own path to become a global icon. From her rural Tennessee upbringing to her trailblazing success as a singer, songwriter, actor, businesswoman and philanthropist, the exhibit will explore how Parton’s resilience and creative vision helped shape her singular journey.
“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me,” shares Parton. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”
“After accomplishing enough for three lifetimes, Dolly Parton continues to astound and amaze us with her boundless talent, her vivacious wit and her tremendous generosity,” says Kyle Young, Chief Executive Officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Like all great artists, Parton has demonstrated consistently that she can transform adversity and setbacks into works of stunning beauty and insight into the human condition.”
Artifacts on display will include handwritten lyrics, stagewear, instruments, awards, photographs and rare interview footage. Highlights include the first draft of her classic hit “Jolene,” a custom Gibson five-string banjo adorned with rhinestones and butterflies used during her 2002 “Halos & Horns Tour,” and the cowgirl outfit she wore in the 1980 film 9 to 5. Visitors will also see her Kennedy Center Honors medallion from 2006, among other personal and career-defining items.
The exhibit delves into formative stories from Parton’s life, including her determined Opry debut at age 13, when she secured a last-minute performance slot by persuading Jimmy C. Newman to give up his. It also explores her bold personal style, which she embraced despite pushback from early industry gatekeepers who feared her appearance might overshadow her talent.
Timed tickets for “Journey of a Seeker” are included with museum admission, and advance reservations are recommended due to anticipated demand. More information is available on the museum’s website.
In addition to the exhibit, the museum will host supporting programming throughout its run, including public events and family-oriented arts and crafts activities. A special display dedicated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and its global literacy mission will be featured in the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center.
A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Parton’s honors also include inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with receiving the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. Her influence continues to inspire generations through her music, philanthropy and unmistakable spirit.
John Zarling Honored With Belmont’s Robert E. Mulloy Award Of Excellence
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Zarling honored at Belmont University. Photo: Matt Willoughby
John Zarling, Chief Marketing Officer at Results Global, was presented the 2025 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence by Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business last weekend during a ceremony before the university’s annual Best of the Best Showcase.
Belmont alumnus Zarling has become a pivotal force in the industry by transforming marketing strategies for some of music’s biggest names. In 2019, his entrepreneurial vision led him to co-found 615 Leverage + Strategy with Jackie Campbell, now known as Results Global. Throughout his career, his innovative approaches have driven more than 100 million units sold, 100 No. 1 singles and generated brand partnerships in the tens of millions.
Belmont University’s Sarah Cates, John Zarling and Belmont University’s Brittany Schaffer. Photo: Matt Willoughby
The award recognizes Zarling’s ongoing contributions to both the entertainment industry and entertainment education. Since graduating in 2001, he has maintained strong ties with his alma mater while building a successful career in music marketing and brand partnerships.
“I am deeply honored to recognize John Zarling as this year’s recipient of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence,” says Brittany Schaffer, dean of the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. “JZ’s remarkable achievements in the music industry are paralleled only by his quiet, steadfast dedication to serving Nashville, Belmont University and the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. His impact — both visible and behind the scenes — has been profound, and no one is more deserving of this recognition.”
“John has not only served the industry through his rooted character, inspired creativity and generous innovation, but he has also served Belmont,” says Sarah Cates, Belmont’s Vice President of Imagination, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, who presented the award to Zarling. “For more than five years, John and his business partner Jackie have taught a brand partnership course for Curb College. Over the last two years, John has been a central player in the development of Belmont’s partnership with Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises.”
“So much of my identity today in the business and beyond, is aligned here with Belmont,” says Zarling. “I couldn’t be prouder to continue to be a small part of this university’s story. When I look at the list of those who have been honored [with this award], I’m humbled to be named among them.”
At Results Global, Zarling leads Dolly Parton’s marketing agency of record in Nashville. Under his guidance, the firm has orchestrated campaigns for Parton’s New York Times-bestselling books and chart-topping albums, including the Gold-selling album Rockstar, which delivered the biggest first-week sales debut of her seven-decade career. This partnership extends to Belmont through Zarling’s work with “Dolly: An Original Musical,” premiering this summer at Belmont’s Fisher Center before its Broadway debut.
Zarling joins a distinguished list of past recipients including music publisher Donna Hilley, Grammy-winning artist and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, Curb Records/Publishing owner Mike Curb, Sony/ATV Music Publishing president Troy Tomlinson, Grammy-winning writer/producer Gordon Kennedy, and Grammy and Academy of Country Music award-winning engineer/producer Chuck Ainlay.