Goodnight Nashville, created by Jelly Roll and Evening Entertainment Group (EEG), hosted its grand opening last night (Feb. 20). To celebrate the grand opening, Jelly Roll, joined by family and friends, delivered an electrifying performance in downtown Nashville, featuring surprise appearances from Brandon Lake, Bailey Zimmerman and Zach Myers.

The evening began with a special event hosted by Nashville Lifestyles, where Jelly Roll took part in a Q&A and performed an intimate set on the venue’s second floor. His performance included hits like “Save Me” and “Liar,” ending with the powerful “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” He later surprised the crowd downstairs, joining the band for an impromptu set that started with a cover of “Wagon Wheel.” The set blended his own hits like “Need a Favor” and “Save Me” with classic covers such as “Colt 45” and “Old Time Rock and Roll.” Jelly Roll also gave a special shoutout to friends John Daly and Bert Kreischer, who were watching from the mezzanine next to the stage.

As the night continued, artists like Lake, who performed “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” and Zimmerman and Myers, joined Jelly Roll for spontaneous performances on the second floor. The night also saw celebrity appearances from Dasha, Flava Flav and Noah Kahan. Guests danced into the late hours as a DJ and live bands kept the energy high after the main performances.

“We’re thrilled to official open the doors to Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville,” shared Les Corieri, Co-Owner of Evening Entertainment Group. “This isn’t just another venue—it’s a celebration of the raw, authentic energy that defines both Jelly Roll and this city. From the unforgettable music to the one-of-a-kind experiences on every floor, we’re proud to add something new to Nashville’s iconic landscape and invite everyone to experience it for themselves.”

Located between 2nd and 3rd Ave S in the former Trail West Boot Store, this four-story venue offers a full dining experience, a tattoo parlor pop-up, a rooftop and a lively nightlife that reflects Jelly Roll’s spirit. The first floor features a vibrant atmosphere with a full bar, a diverse menu and live music, all beneath an eye-catching skull chandelier, drum-head lights and a “Save Me/I’m Fine” art installation. Seating options include tables and bar stools, providing guests with an elevated view of performances. A wrap-around mezzanine offers stunning views of the venue, including a dedicated area for flash-style tattoos. The second floor honors Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie Xo, with a larger-than-life portrait above the bar, while the third floor, Buddy’s, pays tribute to Jelly Roll’s late father, offering an intimate cocktail experience.

Sam Barber Makes Kelly Clarkson Show Debut With ‘Indigo’

Sam Barber made his debut appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on Feb. 19 accompanied by frequent collaborator Avery Anna. The 21-year-old rising star delivered a heartrending performance of his Billboard Hot 100 hit “Indigo.” “Indigo” marked Barber’s debut on the Billboard Hot 100 (where it climbed to No. 48), in addition to reaching No. 8 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

 

Bryce Leatherwood, Tiera Kennedy & More Perform For National Salute To Veteran Patients Week

Musicians On Call recently welcomed Bryce Leatherwood, Tiera Kennedy (whose father is a Veteran), Sean Stemaly and Dawson Anderson to the Nashville VA Medical Center for MOC Bedside visits in honor of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. They each performed at the bedsides of hospitalized Veterans and for their caregivers, paying tribute to them and creating meaningful moments with the Veterans. National Salute to Veteran Patients Week shows appreciation to the more than nine million Veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for in Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries and nursing homes.

 

Southall Celebrate Gold At San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Southall celebrated their first Gold-certified hit on Feb. 15, receiving their flowers after performing at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Red Dirt rockers were surprised with a plaque to celebrate “Why,” from their second album Borrowed Time.

“Having a Gold single wasn’t something I ever thought we would get the chance to experience,” shares frontman Read Southall. “Playing music night after night is its own reward. Folks singing along and enjoying the music is all we can truly ask for. When a case of the Mondays strikes and you’re looking for inspiration/drive, it sure is reassuring to look up at the wall and see our past work being celebrated. Thank you to everyone who’s ever listened to or supported our band. We’re truly grateful.”

 

Frist Art Museum Elects Five New Board Of Trustee Members, Including Ken Levitan

The Frist Art Museum has elected five new board members to its Board of Trustees. The new members—Kendra Deas, Bryan Frist, Kent Kirby, Ken Levitan and Will Meyer—bring broad experience in fields ranging from architecture and entertainment to finance and HR. The new members join current Frist board members Phillip G. Billington, Clay Blevins, Laura Chadwick, Ramon L. Cisneros, Elizabeth Shaughnessy Dennis, Billy Frist (Chair and President), Frank Garrison Jr., Howard C. Gentry Jr., Bob Gordon, Donald R. Hardin Jr., Neil B. Krugman, Wanda Lyle, Dee Patel, Tara Scarlett, Jamaal B. Sheats, John Smithwick, Deborah E. Story, Julie W. Walker, and Gail P. Carr Williams.

 

CMHOFM Celebrates Johnny Bragg’s ‘Let Me Dream On’

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently hosted a discussion and performance highlighting singer-songwriter Johnny Bragg and celebrating the album release of Let Me Dream On, a collection of Bragg’s previously unreleased demos, band rehearsals and live recordings released by the museum and Org Music. The program included a panel discussion featuring Johnny’s daughter Misti Bragg, former U.S. Representative Bob Clement, and noted music historian Colin Escott, who interviewed Bragg and wrote the liner notes for Let Me Dream On. Nashville soul singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian also performed in tribute to Bragg. The program was presented in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibition Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited.

Country Radio Seminar continued yesterday (Feb. 20) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.

‘Showcase Your Assets’ Fosters Career Growth

Founding member of Emerson Drive Brad Mates, broadcast professional Abbey White, Borman Entertainment’s Donna Hughes and industry veteran Jeff Gregg shared skills and resources that can be applied to a sustained career in the music industry during “Showcase Your Assets.”

Experts ‘Sound Off’ On Mainstream Country

During “Sound Off: What Is ‘Mainstream’ Country,” AEG Presents’ Adam Weiser, RCA Records’ Keith Rothschild and Jeff Rizzo, Spotify’s Rachel Whitney, KYGO Denver’s Brian Michel and Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly discussed how to identify the target audience for artists and how country radio can contribute to the success of the new country sound with broad mainstream appeal.

 

An Inside Look At ‘The Country Fan’

Leigh Jacobs and Carolyn Gilbert presented the annual research presentation, “The Country Fan: Reviewing, Retaining, and Recruiting Your Listener,” presented by Nuvoodoo Media. The presentation featured takeaways from a nationwide survey of 1,500 country music fans that offered insight into their takes on the genre.

 

How TikTok Has Impacted The Genre

In “Honky Tonk To TikTok: Country Music’s Wild Five Year Ride By The Numbers,” Opry Entertainment Group’s Jordan Pettit, YouTube’s Margaret Hart, The Tennessean‘s Marcus Dowling, SiriusXM/Pandora’s Alina Thompson, Mercury’s Alex Coslov, Jamie Marconette and Red Light Management’s Mandelyn Monchick took a look at how TikTok has caused a change in sound, distribution, audience demographics and cultural impacts within country music.

 

Emphasizing Mental Health

Porter’s Call’s Chad Karger, WYCD’s Tim Roberts, Amazon Music’s Michelle Tigard Kammerer and Island Records’ artist Wyatt Flores spoke about CMA’s mental health services, including counseling, healthcare, financial wellness and substance abuse resources in “Mental Health Matters: CMA’s Commitment To Well-Being In The Industry.”

 

The Cycle Of ‘Wind Up Missin’ You’

The daily “Cycle Of A Song” series focused on UMG Nashville/Back Blocks Music’s Tucker Wetmore‘s “Wind Up Missin’ You” on Thursday afternoon. Those included in the panel included Wetmore, media executive Todd Nixon, Spotify’s Gemma McInturff, UMG Nashville’s Jake Gear, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall, OH Creative’s Olivia Hanceri and Jimmy Rector.

 

How To Succeed At Streaming

Tips and strategies for sustaining momentum on streaming platforms, particularly when promoting a single on country radio, were shared during “Sustaining Momentum: How To Turn Moments Into A Career/DMS.” Panelists included Red Light Management’s Allison Laughter, SiriusXM/Pandora’s Johnny Chiang, Amazon Music’s Sarah DeMarco, Big Loud’s Lucy Bartozzi and KKBQ’s Travis Moon.

 

The Annual Artist Interview

Sony Music Nashville’s Old Dominion discussed their career in the annual “Artist Interview” segment, lead by award winning songwriter Shane MacAnally.

 

Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

Attendees were treated to drinks and tunes during the annual “Bob Kingsley‘s Acoustic Alley,” hosted by Country Top 40’s Fitz. Performers included hit songwriters Rhett Akins and Johnny Clawson, The Valory Music Co. artist Mackenzie Carpenter, UMG Nashville’s Tyler Hubbard and Old Dominion. Radio Ink also unveiled its annual Top 30 Country PDs list.

 

BBR Music Group Closes Out The Night

BBR Music Group closed out day two of CRS with its annual decades party. An array of artists across the label’s roster performed, including Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Dylan Schneider, John Morgan, Alexandra Kay, Lanie Gardner, Madeline Merlo, Ryan and Rory and more.

Belmont University professor and historian Don Cusic is set to release a new book, Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, with the University of Georgia Press in June.

In Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, Cusic illuminates the legend, detailing Atkins’s work as a guitarist, producer, music executive and guitar designer, while also exploring his roles as mentor, friend and husband.

By the end of his life in 2001, Atkins had recorded over 100 solo albums, won 14 Grammys, including a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, nine Country Music Association Instrumentalist awards and was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. His innovative playing style has inspired musicians from Mark Knopfler, George Harrison and Paul McCartney to Earl Klugh, Tommy Emmanuel, Doc Watson, Jerry Reed and many others.

Cusic is the author of more than 30 books including biographies of Eddy Arnold, Roger Miller, Merle Haggard and Gene Autry. He is a Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University in Nashville.