Droplight, Citrin Cooperman, Ascap, Tim Mcgraw & Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply Join Presenting Sponsor Keith Urban In Support Of Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament

Photo: Courtesy of MRGLT

Droplight, Citrin Cooperman, Ascap, Tim Mcgraw and Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply have joined presenting sponsor Keith Urban in support of the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee. The event is set for Aug. 10 at Old Natchez Country Club.

The organization has opened sales for the annual T-Shirt sponsorship opportunity. Registration for the 2026 MRLGT is also now open.

Megan Moroney Releases Debut Fragrance

Megan Moroney has released her debut fragrance, Calliope, created in partnership with Scent Beauty, Inc. Calliope will debut on FragrancebyMeganMoroney.com and Scentbeauty.com as well as select national retail partners starting July 15. It will launch in-store in the US on Aug. 15 at retailers including Walmart, JCPenney, CVS, Urban Outfitters and more.

“I’ve spent the last year and a half hand crafting Calliope, my debut fragrance. The heart-shaped bottle felt very me, of course. But beyond the heart, it’s inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi—the centuries-old practice of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver, embracing its’ cracks rather than hiding them. It’s a reminder that our imperfections and experiences become part of what makes us unique. For me, my songs are sometimes the most broken pieces reshaped into something that I’ve seen heal me and so many of you. The fragrance itself is fresh, effortless, and meant to be an everyday signature. On the back of the bottle, I added the handwritten lyrics ‘You Shine’ because I truly believe the world can be hard on beautiful things. The most beautiful things come from broken pieces, and I hope this fragrance serves as a reminder that your light shines even brighter because of everything you’ve been through.” shares Moroney.

SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse To Honor Bill Anderson’s Grand Ole Opry Anniversary

SiriusXM is celebrating Country Music Hall of Fame member and the Grand Ole Opry’s longest-serving member Bill Anderson with “65 Years and Still Whisperin’: A Bill Anderson Weekend on SiriusXM,” commemorating his 65th anniversary with the Grand Ole Opry. As part of the special programming, a four-hour edition of Country’s Family Reunion will air on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19 on Willie’s Roadhouse.

Originally recorded during his 50th Grand Ole Opry anniversary, the program features performances, heartfelt tributes and stories highlighting his career.

Belmont University’s Center For Mental Health In Entertainment Hosts Inaugural Leadership Cohort For Industry Changemakers

Photo: Sam Simpkins/Courtesy of Belmont University

The Center for Mental Health in Entertainment at Belmont University hosted The Collective: A Leadership Cohort Workshop for Industry Changemakers on July 13 in Nashville, in partnership with the Country Music Association (CMA).

The half-day workshop brought together leaders from organizations that each serve a different piece of the entertainment mental health landscape, including MusiCares, Music Health Alliance, Porter’s Call, Sweet Relief, ACM Lifting Lives, ECCHO Live, Amber Health and Backline.

The workshop, themed “Beyond Awareness: Building a Stronger Support Ecosystem for Entertainment,” centered on the question, “what does a healthy entertainment industry actually look like?” Much of the conversation focused on collaboration, specifically how organizations doing similar work can support each other rather than duplicate it.

“Our goal was to create space for connection among those doing this important work, while also exploring ways we can collectively strengthen support systems across the industry,” says Debbie Carroll, LCSW, CMA endowed chair and executive director of the Center for Mental Health in Entertainment. “So much of our work is about convening, bringing people and organizations together in the same place. This work is big enough for all of us, and when we work together, our impact multiplies. We can reach further together than any of us can alone.”

Chris Janson Concert Kicks Off Cvent CONNECT Conference

Chris Janson.

Chris Janson shut down a block of Broadway in downtown Nashville earlier this week for a performance that kicked off the Cvent CONNECT Conference. Thousands of conference attendees filled lower Broadway for the show.

“This was an epic moment for me to be able to play in the street for thousands of people. It wasn’t that long ago I came to town, slept in my car and played the bars on Broadway. Dreams do come true and last night was another reminder,” says Janson.

Russell Dickerson Appears On “The Great American Sandwich Show”

Russell Dickerson recently made an appearance on “The Great American Sandwich Show” YouTube series.

Dickerson shares stories from life on tour, debates what makes a great sandwich and reveals the surprising meals that fuel him on the road.

Willie Nelson’s new book The Last Leaf: Reflections on Late-Life Creativity – and My Longest Love Affair, is set to be released from Penguin Press on Nov. 10.

In the new book Nelson shares his well-earned wisdom about reaching an astonishing creative flourishing, and an even deeper union with the love of his life for four decades, Annie. At 93, Nelson has not been slowing down. In the past 12 years, he has recorded 21 new albums, written more than 50 new songs and seven books, and headlined over 800 live shows. With his trademark wit, he opens up and brings readers in touch with the same inexhaustible, vital stream of energy he has learned how to stay tapped into. The book also flashes back to life-altering moments, including the facing of almost certain death during COVID and what Nelson gained from that.

Woven into his recollections of his own life as an artist is the beautiful and often hilarious account of how the fiery spirit of Annie, his wife/best friend, has matched his own. In the book he shares how that love for her has deepened with time into the pure harmony of sustained partnership.

“The backbone of this book is a love story,” says Nelson. “The heroine is my wife, Annie, who kept me alive when I was sure I was gone. COVID nearly got me. I was hurting so bad I wanted out. But Annie wouldn’t let me go. The years I’ve lived since then are because of Annie. And so is this book.”

John Prine. Photo: Rett Rogers

The John Prine Family & The Hello In There Foundation have revealed a new slate of events, collaborations and tributes across Prine’s hometown of Chicago October 7-11 in celebration of his 80th birthday.

The celebrations include multiple screenings of the concert documentary How Lucky Can One Man Get (filmed in 2010 at Prine’s hometown high school gym), a panel discussion of Prine’s contribution to the Chicago folk scene at the Chicago History Museum, the unveiling of a mural of Prine by the artist Jon Langford followed by an all-day celebration at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and a celebration of Prine’s life in the village of Maywood, Illinois, where he grew up and attended high school.

New additions have also been announced for the lineup for “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine,” a concert celebration of Prine’s life and legacy taking place on Oct. 8 at The Chicago Theatre. The sold-out show will feature a community of artists performing their favorite Prine songs, and newly announced performers include Nathaniel Rateliff, Valerie June, Alejandro Escovedo, Hayes Carll, Jordan Davis, Jonas Friddle and John’s brother Billy Prine.

The show will feature host and performer John C. Reilly, Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff, Amos Lee, Andrew Sa, Briscoe, Jon Langford, Josh Ritter, Joy Oladokun, Kathleen Edwards, Margo Price, Noeline Hofmann, Ratboys, Shemekia Copeland, Steve Earle, Sullivan Sisters and The Cactus Blossoms for an evening of song and celebration. All proceeds will benefit The Hello In There Foundation, which has provided $1.4 million in community grants to more than 100 charitable organizations since its establishment in 2021.

Wednesday, October 7 – Celebratory Kick Off Event

Venue and timing to be announced in August.

Wednesday, October 7 – How Lucky Can One Man Get Film Screening
Venue: Gene Siskel Film Center
Time: 8:15PM
Description: The Prine Family will present a special screening of How Lucky Can One Man Get, a concert documentary directed by Jim Shea that features previously unreleased footage from John Prine’s May 2010 benefit concert at his hometown high school, along with reminiscences and storytelling about his time growing up in Maywood, Illinois. Tickets will be on-sale on September 7, 2026.

Thursday, October 8 – Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine Tribute Concert
Venue: Chicago Theatre
Time: 7:30PM
Description: Commemorating John Prine’s life and legacy, this concert will pay tribute to an immortal body of work that has inspired, comforted and connected generations. Hosted by John C. Reilly, with proceeds benefiting The Hello in There Foundation’s ongoing grantmaking in John Prine’s memory, the night will feature performances from a community of artists playing their favorite Prine songs, all backed by John’s longtime band.

Friday, October 9 – “John Prine’s Chicago” Panel Discussion
Venue: Chicago History Museum
Time: 1PM
Description: John Prine was born in 1946 in Maywood, a blue collar suburb of Chicago. Twenty-four years later he was writing songs and performing. Where did those songs come from? How did Chicago during that time period impact the character of his music? A conversation will look at the social upheaval in Chicago at the time and, more specifically, the streets, schools, teachers, events, and community of songwriters he knew so intimately and that would both shape his perspective and nurture his songwriting throughout his life.
Ticket Link: HERE

Friday, October 9 – How Lucky Can One Man Get Film Screening
Venue: Gene Siskel Film Center
Time: 6PM and 8:30PM
Description: The Prine Family will present a special screening of How Lucky Can One Man Get, a concert documentary directed by Jim Shea that features previously unreleased footage from John Prine’s May 2010 benefit concert at his hometown high school, along with reminiscences and storytelling about his time growing up in Maywood, Illinois. Tickets will be on-sale on September 7, 2026. Producers Fiona Whelan Prine and John Anderson will appear for an in-person Q&A following the 6 PM screening.

Saturday, October 10 – John Prine Mural Dedication & Local Music Revue
Venue: Old Town School of Folk Music
Time: All Day
Description: Artist Jon Langford will unveil a mural honoring John Prine at the Old Town School, the institution central to John’s early development and Chicago’s folk music community. The dedication will be followed by a day of celebrations for John, featuring Chicago artists and songwriters, grounding the celebration in the scene that shaped John’s voice. A full schedule of events can be found below.

10:30 am – The Magic of the Sublime: John Prine’s Songwriting – Maurer Hall
Join Old Town School of Folk Music songwriting faculty to peek under the hood of John Prine’s songwriting. Teachers will break down some of John’s songs to explore insights into John’s lyrical style, talk about what makes his songs work so well, and even provide burgeoning songwriters with some take-aways to apply to their own craft. While John’s songs seem so natural and have an effortless quality, their timeless appeal comes from the elegance of the craftsmanship and artistry behind the songwriting.

12:00 pm – John Prine Mural Dedication – Daily Bar and Grill Patio
Through support from The Hello in There Foundation and the Illinois Art Council, the Old Town School commissioned artist and musician, Jon Langford to create a work of John Prine, sitting with his guitar, that was recently installed in mural form on the north side of the Old Town School’s West building.

1:00 pm – Enjoy John’s favorite Chicago cuisine – Daily Bar and Grill Patio
Enjoy some of John’s Chicago favorites including Italian Beef and Hot Dogs provided by Nicky V’s. Stop by the Old Town School cafe and purchase a special brew crafted by Hop Butcher for the World in honor of John’s 80th birthday.

2:30 pm – Pretty Good, Not Bad John Prine Sing-a-long – Maurer Hall
Fans are invited to gather in Maurer Hall for an afternoon of sharing John’s music together led by Old Town School teachers and Chicago musicians.

6:00 pm – Yes I Guess They Oughta Name a Drink After You: The Old Town School and Chicago’s Musical Tribute to John Prine
Fans can continue to soak in the joy and genius of John’s music just a 4-minute walk from the Old Town School at the American Legion, Tattler Post 973, located at the corner of Montrose and Western Ave. The day will end with a musical tribute to John where Old Town School and Chicago musicians are invited to celebrate through song, backed by the Hoyle Brothers.

Ticket Links: HERE

Sunday, October 11 – Maywood, IL Town-Wide John Prine Celebration
Venue: Village of Maywood
Time 10 AM
Description: Maywood, Illinois will host a morning of celebration honoring John Prine in the village where he grew up, to share the streets and neighborhood that shaped his earliest songs. The day will include trolley tours through Maywood’s Prine landmarks, paired with self-guided walking tours for those who want to wander at their own pace. A community volunteer event will follow, offering visitors a chance to give back to the village that raised him.
Ticket Link: HERE

Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton

Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton are among the first set of performers confirmed for the upcoming 9th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards on Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Produced by The Nashville Songwriters Association International with presenting partner City National Bank, the event will feature special performances from over a dozen songwriters, who will perform and celebrate their peers at the celebration. Additional performers for this year’s lineup include Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver, Jacob Davis, Ray Fulcher, Ben Johnson, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Neil Medley, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass, Hunter Phelps, Bobby Pinson, Jeremy Stover, Lydia Vaughan and Jordan Walker.

Performances will center around industry honorees, songs celebrated by peers as ones they “wish they had written,” and writers who have achieved top chart performance throughout the past year. Previously announced honorees are Vince Gill (Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award), Paul Williams (NSAI President’s Keystone Award), Pendergrass (Songwriter of the Year) and Riley Green (Songwriter-Artist of the Year).

The ‘Song of the Year’, ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards, and the ‘Legendary Song’ award honors will be concealed until night-of, revealed through stories and performances from the stage. Tickets for the ceremony will be available for purchase beginning tomorrow (July 17).