Zac Brown Band. Photo: Nathan Zucker
On a night filled with country charm, soul-soothing melodies and infectious energy, Zac Brown Band took the stage at The Pinnacle in Nashville last night (April 3) for their second of two shows.
Zac Brown Band. Photo: Nathan Zucker
After an energetic opening set from Irish band Gaelic Storm, the band opened with the feel-good anthem “Toes,” setting the tone for what would be a night of seamless musical transitions. As the crowd sang along, the energy was palpable. Every person, from the front row to the back, swayed to the rhythm of the band’s irresistible tunes. “Homegrown” followed, with its laid-back vibe creating a sense of togetherness and nostalgia.
One of the evening’s most notable moments came when they performed the iconic “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The fiery fiddle solo was met with wild applause, with fans completely immersed in the spirited performance. Next, the band transitioned into “My Kinda Medicine,” bringing a high-energy rock-infused sound to the stage, and then mellowed things out with the heartfelt “Sweet Annie,” showcasing the depth of their musical versatility.
Next, the band invited Drake White to the stage to join them for the song “As She’s Walking Away.” As the night continued, the hits kept coming with “Same Boat,” “Keep Me in Mind” and “My Old Man,” which Brown dedicated to all the dads. The Nashville crowd sang and swayed in unison, proving Zac Brown Band’s ability to connect with their fans. The energy reached new heights during “Knee Deep,” with videos of Jimmy Buffett singing in the background.
Zac Brown Band. Photo: Nathan Zucker
After a quick intermission, the band began their acoustic set, offering a more intimate experience. The soft strums of “The Wind” began, and a wave of serenity washed over the room. The stripped-back sound allowed every word to resonate, drawing listeners into the raw emotion of the music, followed by “Wild Palomino” and “Out In The Middle.”
The second half of the night saw Zac Brown Band deliver more crowd-pleasers. “Jump Right In” and “Island Song” brought a tropical feel, with fans enthusiastically singing every word. The playful “Two Blue Chairs & You” followed.
Another great moment came when the band covered Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” transforming the classic into a unique Zac Brown Band rendition that had the crowd roaring with appreciation. This was followed by the hauntingly beautiful “Someone I Used to Know.”
Zac Brown Band. Photo: Nathan Zucker
The evening took a tender turn with “Loving You Easy,” a song that had fans swaying and holding their loved ones close. The show’s emotional highs continued with Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet,” with band member Caroline Jones taking the spotlight for a stunning solo performance that captivated the audience.
As the night neared its end, the group brought things full circle with the soulful “Goodbye In Her Eyes” and the reflective “Tomorrow Never Comes.” But it was the mashup of “Colder Weather” and the Eagles’ “Take It to the Limit” that truly left fans awestruck.
And of course, no Zac Brown Band concert would be complete without the crowd-favorite “Chicken Fried.” As the final song of the night, the song’s infectious joy filled the venue one last time, bringing the night to a close with everyone singing in unison.
Big Daddy Weave To Release First Album In Six Years
/by Lorie HollabaughBig Daddy Weave will release their first new album in six years, Let It Begin, on May 23 via Curb Records. To celebrate the announcement, the band has released “I’ve Just Seen Too Much,” a story of walking by faith and not by sight.
The group welcomes themes of personal healing on Let It Begin, the follow-up to 2019’s When The Light Comes. The 15 track project tells the story of a God who met them in their darkest moments and carried them through life’s valleys, offering messages of unshakable hope, including hits “Heaven Changes Everything,” “God Is In This Story (feat. Katy Nichole)” and the title track. Let It Begin, their first album since the passing of founding member Jay Weaver, also includes the poignant tribute, “Jaybird.”
Giving fans a deeper understanding of the stories behind the songs that make up Let It Begin, the group has introduced a new video series, “Cabin Conversations.” In this series, Weaver joins co-writers and friends to share the life experiences and lessons that influenced each song.
Big Daddy Weave will head out on their “Let It Begin Tour” this spring with special guests Ben Fuller and Megan Woods. Stops will include cities in Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota and more.
The band has notched multiple No. 1s, including “Heaven Changes Everything,” “God Is In This Story” (with Katy Nichole), “I Know,” “Alive,” “Love Come To Life,” “Redeemed,” “The Only Name (Yours Will Be),” “Overwhelmed,” and “My Story.” RIAA Platinum-certified “Redeemed” spent 11 weeks at No. 1, and their follow-up hit, “The Lion and The Lamb,” has become one of the genre’s most-streamed songs. They have amassed more than one billion career streams and have received numerous honors, including a Dove Award, ASCAP and BMI Awards, and the prestigious Rich Mullins Artist Impact Award, among others.
Let It Begin Track List:
1. “Let It Begin”
2. “My Hope Is Jesus”
3. “I’ve Just Seen Too Much”
4. “Stranger No More (feat. Zach Williams)”
5. “Heaven Changes Everything”
6. “Louder Than The Lies”
7. “Constantly”
8. “Lions and Eagles”
9. “Have Your Way”
10. “Free”
11. “God Is In This Story (feat. Katy Nichole)”
12. “Good Grief (feat. Jason Gray)”
13. “Jaybird”
14. “This Is Not The End”
15. “Let It Begin (feat. Ben Fuller & Megan Woods)”
Zac Brown Band Delivers An Epic Night At The Pinnacle
/by Madison HahnenZac Brown Band. Photo: Nathan Zucker
On a night filled with country charm, soul-soothing melodies and infectious energy, Zac Brown Band took the stage at The Pinnacle in Nashville last night (April 3) for their second of two shows.
Zac Brown Band. Photo: Nathan Zucker
After an energetic opening set from Irish band Gaelic Storm, the band opened with the feel-good anthem “Toes,” setting the tone for what would be a night of seamless musical transitions. As the crowd sang along, the energy was palpable. Every person, from the front row to the back, swayed to the rhythm of the band’s irresistible tunes. “Homegrown” followed, with its laid-back vibe creating a sense of togetherness and nostalgia.
One of the evening’s most notable moments came when they performed the iconic “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The fiery fiddle solo was met with wild applause, with fans completely immersed in the spirited performance. Next, the band transitioned into “My Kinda Medicine,” bringing a high-energy rock-infused sound to the stage, and then mellowed things out with the heartfelt “Sweet Annie,” showcasing the depth of their musical versatility.
Next, the band invited Drake White to the stage to join them for the song “As She’s Walking Away.” As the night continued, the hits kept coming with “Same Boat,” “Keep Me in Mind” and “My Old Man,” which Brown dedicated to all the dads. The Nashville crowd sang and swayed in unison, proving Zac Brown Band’s ability to connect with their fans. The energy reached new heights during “Knee Deep,” with videos of Jimmy Buffett singing in the background.
Zac Brown Band. Photo: Nathan Zucker
After a quick intermission, the band began their acoustic set, offering a more intimate experience. The soft strums of “The Wind” began, and a wave of serenity washed over the room. The stripped-back sound allowed every word to resonate, drawing listeners into the raw emotion of the music, followed by “Wild Palomino” and “Out In The Middle.”
The second half of the night saw Zac Brown Band deliver more crowd-pleasers. “Jump Right In” and “Island Song” brought a tropical feel, with fans enthusiastically singing every word. The playful “Two Blue Chairs & You” followed.
Another great moment came when the band covered Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” transforming the classic into a unique Zac Brown Band rendition that had the crowd roaring with appreciation. This was followed by the hauntingly beautiful “Someone I Used to Know.”
Zac Brown Band. Photo: Nathan Zucker
The evening took a tender turn with “Loving You Easy,” a song that had fans swaying and holding their loved ones close. The show’s emotional highs continued with Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet,” with band member Caroline Jones taking the spotlight for a stunning solo performance that captivated the audience.
As the night neared its end, the group brought things full circle with the soulful “Goodbye In Her Eyes” and the reflective “Tomorrow Never Comes.” But it was the mashup of “Colder Weather” and the Eagles’ “Take It to the Limit” that truly left fans awestruck.
And of course, no Zac Brown Band concert would be complete without the crowd-favorite “Chicken Fried.” As the final song of the night, the song’s infectious joy filled the venue one last time, bringing the night to a close with everyone singing in unison.
ASCAP Elects New Board Of Directors
/by Lorie HollabaughASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams has announced the new members of the Board of Directors who have been elected to serve for a two-year term beginning April 1, 2025.
Newly elected to the Board as a writer member is songwriter Claudia Brant. In addition to Paul Williams, the writer members who were re-elected in the at-large field are: composer/songwriter Jon Batiste; songwriter/producer Desmond Child; composer Sharon Farber; Writer Vice Chair composer Dan Foliart; songwriter/composer Michelle Lewis; songwriter/producer Terry Lewis; composer/producer Marcus Miller; songwriter Jimmy Webb; and composer Doug Wood. Composer Alex Shapiro was re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field.
The publisher directors re-elected in the at-large field are: Peter Brodsky, Sony Music Publishing; Bob Bruderman, Kobalt; Marti Cuevas, Mayimba Music; Ree Guyer, Wrensong Publishing, Keith Hauprich, BMG US; Dean Kay, Lichelle Music Company; Evan Lamberg, Universal Music Publishing Group; Leeds Levy, Leeds Music; Publisher Vice Chair Irwin Z. Robinson, Cromwell Music, Inc.; Paul Robinson, Warner Chappell Music; and Jon Singer, Spirit Music. James M. Kendrick, European American Music, was re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field.
“It is both a privilege and a responsibility to be elected to the ASCAP Board by our songwriter, composer and publisher peers,” says Williams. “The ASCAP Board takes seriously our commitment to advocating for and protecting the value of our more than one million members’ music and upholding our principles of fairness and efficiency to maximize distributions to our members. We welcome our newly elected songwriter Claudia Brant to join us in this mission, which puts the needs of our music creators and publishers first.”
ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization that operates as a not-for-profit and the only one with a Board of Directors of songwriters, composers and music publishers, elected by and from the membership every two years.
Franni Cash Reemerges With New Team & New Solo Project
/by Lorie HollabaughFranni Cash with Capitol CMG team. Photo: Brian Brister
Franni Cash of We The Kingdom has returned after stepping away from the band with a new solo project, a new tour and a brand-new team.
Cash is a two-time Grammy-nominated, three-time Dove award-winner, performer and songwriter who co-wrote two of We The Kingdom’s No. 1 hits and was named one of the top 20 breakout artists across all genres. Growing up in Nashville with a producer-songwriter dad, music has always been a part of Cash’s DNA, and her authentic, honest and whimsical songwriting and gift for the stage has always endeared her to her fans. As she pursues her solo career, Cash has signed with Capitol CMG, WME and Round Table Management for representation.
“We are so happy to be Franni Cash’s partner for this next chapter of her career as a solo artist,” says CCMG’s President Brad O’Donnell. “She’s a special person with an incredible voice and we can’t wait to see the impact her music will have on the world.”
“Franni is bringing fresh energy, talent and heart everywhere she goes,” says Mark Claassen, Partner, WME. “We can feel the excitement around this new season. We are happy to be part of her team to expand her platform and tell her story to the rest of the world.”
“I speak for the entire Round Table Management team when I say that we are beyond excited to partner with Franni as she steps into this new season of her career,” adds Round Table Artist Manager Hannah Gifford. “Franni is an authentic artist and songwriter, who pours honesty, depth, and pure rock and roll into everything she creates. There is so much ahead!”
Applications Now Open For CRS 2026 Agenda Committee
/by Madison HahnenCountry Radio Broadcasters, Inc has opened applications for the CRS 2026 Agenda Committee. The committee will be key in planning the educational programming for CRS 2026, taking place March 18-20, 2026.
Shelley Hargis (BMG/BBR Music Group) will serve as committee Chair, while Krista Hayes-Pruitt (BMG/BBR Music Group) and Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting) will serve as Co-Vice Chairs.
The Agenda Committee is made up of country radio, streaming and music industry volunteers.
Applications are due April 18, 2025, and applicants must be able to attend in-person planning sessions at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville July 21-23, 2025 and attend CRS 2026. The CRS 2026 registration fee is waived for all committee members.
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Expands 2025 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughLive In The Vineyard Goes Country has added to its 2025 lineup for the April 22-24 event in Napa Valley, California.
Jordan Davis, Laci Kaye Booth, Chloé Caroline, Preston Cooper, Bradley Gaskin, Erin Grand, Greylan James, and Timmy McKeever have all joined the lineup for the one-of-a-kind experience that brings together talent, industry professionals, and the beauty of wine country for a fusion of music, wine and culinary excellence. Invite-only attendees, including music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label execs, VIPs and corporate hospitality groups get a first listen to new music from today’s biggest stars and rising talent in an intimate, hand-curated setting.
The newly added artists join the roster of 2025 performers that includes Brett Young, RaeLynn, Katharine McPhee, Roman Alexander, Annie Bosko, Allie Colleen, Kashus Culpepper, Carter Faith, Lanie Gardner, Harper Grace, James Barker Band, Caroline Jones, Alexandra Kay, Max McNown, Morgan Myles, Shane Stevens, Thelma & James, and many more, with more artists soon to be revealed.
Averie Bielski Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: (L-R, back row): Dale Bobo, Scott Safford, Leslie Roberts, Anna Weisband and Rusty Gaston (L-R, front row): Tom Luteran, Averie Bielski and Synnovea Halsel.
Singer-songwriter Averie Bielski has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
Bielski, a Roswell, Georgia native, moved to Music City two years ago and continues to make a name for herself with her ability to craft and tell stories through her music. She first gained attention with the release of her viral, debut single “I Do Too,” that took off on TikTok and social media ahead of its release. Additionally, Bielski’s songs have been cut by artists such as Callista Clark, Zach John King, Carson Wallace, Ashley Anne and Grace Tyler among others.
“Finding a home at Sony Music Publishing has been such a blessing, especially being a younger writer,” explains Bielski. “Having a team that truly believes in you and your work as a songwriter is hard to come by, but I am so blessed to have found that dream team! I’m truly so excited and ready to see what we can achieve and can’t wait to see all God has in store for the SMP team and I!”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Manager of Creative A&R Synnovea Halsel says, “We’re beyond excited to welcome Averie to the SMP family. From the moment I heard her first song, I was taken aback. The way that Averie thinks about intertwining fresh lyrics and unique melodies is so special. She has such a bright future ahead of her!”
Randy Travis To Be Honored During Annual ‘Grammys On The Hill’
/by Madison HahnenRandy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor
The Recording Academy is bringing back its “Grammys On The Hill” event to Washington D.C. April 8-10. The event brings congressional leaders and music creators to advocate for creators’ rights and recognize people who have advocated for music’s future.
The “Grammys On The Hill” Awards will begin the week on April 8, where Randy Travis, United States Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Ron Estes (R-KS) will be recognized for their dedication to advocating for pro-music policies.
Travis will be honored for his advocating of fair compensation and protections for creators in the AI era. Last year, Travis showed his support for the American Music Fairness Act and his dedication for the fair use of AI as a tool to lift up and protect artist creativity.
“At this point in my life, I am fully focused on living and giving back,” says Travis. “I’ve been part of the music community my whole life, professionally for 40 years. I am passionate about advocating to keep music an honest pursuit of art and human expression. While I remain excited about new, cutting-edge technologies, we must protect, and fairly compensate, the creative minds that give us the music—and art—that feeds our souls.”
On April 9, the “Grammys On The Hill” Advocacy Day will welcome Grammy winners, nominees and industry leaders to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to look at critical music policy issues.
The event will end with the “Grammys On The Hill Future Forum” on April 10, where attendees will dive into issues impacting the music industry.
“Grammys on the Hill plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of music creators, and we’re thrilled to see it evolve into a full week of advocacy, celebration and learning,” shares Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “I’m excited to bring our music community and policymakers together in Washington—not just to celebrate the change makers fighting for creators’ rights, but to unite and take action to improve the livelihoods of music people across the country.”
Tennessee Songwriters Week Finalists Perform At Bluebird Cafe
/by Lorie HollabaughTennessee Songwriters Week Finale. Photo: Kayla Schoen
Seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists shared their original songs on stage at the Bluebird Cafe Sunday night (March 30) during a private event for their families and friends and music industry professionals.
Each finalist won during regional showcase events held at the end of February. Rodrick Duran (Memphis winner), Sarrenna Johnson (Knoxville winner), Claire Childress (Bristol winner), Kristina Stair and Jordan Foster (Gatlinburg winners), Caleb Lovely (Chattanooga winner), Jon Wayne Hatfield (Portland winner) and DEK of Hearts (Franklin winner) performed during the special show.
The seven finalists received a commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night stay in Nashville at the Motif on Music Row, $100 gift card and a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International. The Grand Ole Opry also gifted all seven finalists tickets to Saturday night’s Opry show. Songwriter J.T. Harding, who has penned hits for Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, and more, hosted the finale. Esteemed guests included Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, songwriter Marc Beeson, representatives from the Academy of Country Music, American Songwriter, Country Music Hall of Fame and more.
Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week was established in 2019 to support music venues, celebrate songwriters in all genres of music, drive visitation, and inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception more than 5,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on stages during the annual celebration each February, from listening rooms to cafes to distilleries to theatres and showcase venues.
Major Changes Hit Monument Records, Affecting Majority Of Staff
/by Madison HahnenMajor changes, including the exit of most of its staff, have impacted Monument Records, MusicRow has confirmed. Select aspects of the company will be overseen by Sony Music Nashville moving forward.
Launched in 2017 by Jason Owen and Shane McAnally, in partnership with Sony Music, the label has guided the careers of Walker Hayes, Tigirlily Gold, Brandon Ratcliff, Alex Hall and Shelby Lynne, among others over the last eight years. Tigirlily Gold will move to Sony Music Nashville’s roster, but it is not yet clear where the other artists will go.
Through his Sandbox Entertainment, Owen will collaborate with Sony Music to help artists bring unique ideas and approaches to share their stories across various mediums including film and TV.
McAnally will work with artists on various creative aspects, including A&R, production, songwriting and more, while continuing to expand his work on broadway, film and TV.
General Manager Katie McCartney is departing for a new opportunity yet to be announced.