The upcoming Canadian Boots & Hearts Festival, taking place Aug. 7-10 at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, has unveiled its full lineup.

Joining previously-announced headliner Bailey Zimmerman and direct support Tyler Hubbard on the Main Stage Friday (Aug. 8) are Austin Snell and Canadian rising talents Cameron Whitcomb and Sacha. Friday’s SiriusXM Front Porch stage will feature performances by Hannah McFarland, Mackenzie Carpenter, Zach McPhee, Allison Daniels and headliner Dylan Marlowe.

Canadian group High Valley and The Band Perry—reuniting on stage for the first time in five years—will join headliner Sam Hunt and direct support Chase Rice on the Main Stage Saturday (Aug. 9) along with CCMA Award-winning artist Hailey Benedict. Saturday’s SiriusXM Front Porch Stage will be headlined by Owen Riegling and will spotlight emerging talents including Noeline Hofmann, Kolby Cooper, Karli June and Kelsi Mayne.

Hardy joined by Koe Wetzel in his debut appearance at Boots and Hearts, will close out the festival on Sunday (Aug. 10), alongside rock group Daughtry, CCMA Award-winning artist Meghan Patrick and rock country duo Lakeview on the Main Stage. That same day, the SiriusXM Front Porch Stage will feature Canadian rock group Default, Andrew Hyatt and Jessie T, with rising country star Stephen Wilson Jr. headlining the stage.

“Hardy, Sam Hunt and Bailey Zimmerman first took the Boots and Hearts stage early in their careers and have since grown into global headliners,” co-founder Eva Dunford notes. “Along with our established headline artists, our festival continues to be a rite of passage for future music legends and we can’t wait to see this year’s new talent—they’re destined to be some of the world’s next biggest stars!”

The festival kicks off Thursday night (Aug. 7), with the annual Kick Off Party headlined by Justin Moore. Joining him are JUNO Award and CCMA Award-nominated singer-songwriter Tyler Joe Miller and 2024 Emerging Artist Showcase winner Sarah Vanderzon, who are set to open the evening.

Single day tickets in addition to full weekend tickets and tent and RV camping passes are available at bootsandhearts.com.

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) will bring back its beloved “Cycle of A Song” series during the CRS 2025 Digital Music Summit, taking place Feb. 19-21.

The “Cycle of A Song” series, which first debuted last year during CRS 2024, offers a rare, behind the scenes look at the journey of a song from creation to hit status, highlighting the crucial roles that social media, streaming platforms, radio and touring play in growing an artist’s fanbase. This year, the Digital Music Summit will dive into how these elements collaborate within the industry to produce a chart-topping hit, providing attendees with valuable insights into the full lifecycle of a song.

On Wednesday (Feb. 19), Ella Langley will discuss “You Look Like You Love Me” from 11-11:50 a.m., Tucker Wetmore will take a look at “Wind Up Missin’ You” on Thursday (Feb. 2o) from 2:30-3:20 p.m. and, to close out the series, Dasha will give insight into “Austin” on Friday (Feb. 21) from 2-2:50 p.m.

This year’s panel expands on the success of the inaugural “Cycle of A Song” segment from CRS 2024, which showcased Bailey Zimmerman’s “Fall in Love,” Megan Moroney’s “Tennessee Orange” and Jelly Roll’s “Son of a Sinner.” The “Cycle of A Song” concept was originally inspired by the Digital Music Summit’s popular panel, “How They Built It: ‘Fancy Like’ and Its Path to #1,” which explored the breakout success of Walker Hayes.

Crystal Dishmon & Laura Spinelli. Photos: Robert Chavers

ShopKeeper Management, the artist management firm founded by Marion Kraft in 2009, has promoted two longtime team members.

Crystal Dishmon has been named Co-Manager of Miranda Lambert alongside Kraft. Dishmon will continue her management of two-time Academy of Country Music and 17-time Canadian Country Music Association winner, Tenille Townes, while further contributing to Lambert’s career. Dishmon has been a part of the ShopKeeper team since 2010, following prior experience at Senior Management, AEG/The Messina Group and Dale Morris & Associates.

“In my 14 years at ShopKeeper, what I’ve admired most about Marion and Miranda is how they have built an incredible career rooted in artistry and authenticity,” says Dishmon. “I’m honored to step into the role of co-manager to help build on their success and continue creating Miranda’s tremendous legacy in country music history.”

“I’ve admired Crystal’s drive, determination and knack for working with artists ever since our paths first crossed nearly 25 years ago,” shares Kraft. “After establishing ShopKeeper Management in 2009, Crystal was the person I knew could help build this company; she joined in 2010 and has been invaluable. She has rightly earned this promotion through her tireless dedication, hard work and genuine passion for music, underscoring her unwavering commitment to both the artist and the craft. I can’t wait to see the significant impact she will continue to make in the ever-evolving landscape of artist management and the music industry.”

Additionally, Laura Spinelli has been promoted to Day-to-Day Manager for Lambert. She will also continue to serve the company’s roster in her role as Digital Marketing Manager. Honored on MusicRow’s 2025 Next Big Thing list, Spinelli has spent nearly a decade at ShopKeeper, creating and launching marketing campaigns as well as executing multiple brand partnerships.

“Digital can no longer operate in a silo—it must be seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our work,” adds Kraft. “Elevating Laura to Day-to-Day Manager, with her extensive digital expertise, ensures that a digital-first mindset remains at the core of everything we do.”

In addition to Lambert and Townes, ShopKeeper Management is home to Pistol Annies. The company’s management team also includes Graphic Designer Dara Foutch and Office Manager Chelsey Kucera.

Performers ring in the new year on New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/CBS

Nashville’s Big Bash at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on New Year’s Eve continued to fuel significant economic activity for the city, generating a record-breaking $41 million in direct visitor spending.

The 2024 event had an all-time high attendance of 220,000, and for the fourth year, was featured during a five-hour New Year’s Eve special on CBS. Hotels were the top choice for accommodations for 68% of surveyed visitors, followed by short-term rentals including Airbnb at 16%, and staying with family/friends at 11%. Downtown hotel demand on New Year’s Eve 2024 was up a healthy 7.2% YOY. Downtown hotels had 88% occupancy. 83% of visitors said New Year’s Eve and this event was the top reason that brought them to Nashville, with vacationing coming in as the second reason at 10%. 90% said it was their first time attending this annual event. 9% of visitors surveyed were international, including from Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Denmark, Australia, Brazil and South Africa.

“With record attendance and $41 million in direct visitor spending, Nashville’s Big Bash continues to generate enormous economic activity for the city during a traditionally slow time for our industry,” says Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Along with some new accolades from major travel outlets, this success underscores Music City’s enduring appeal as a destination for world-class events and entertainment in 2025.”

Big Bash was headlined and co-hosted by Keith Urban, along with headliners Kane Brown and Jelly Roll. Shaboozey and Brittney Spencer also performed during the free concert.