Kenny Chesney will bring his No Shoes Nation to the Sphere in Las Vegas for 12-date residency, starting in May. He will be the first country artist to entertain in the innovative venue.

“I’m always looking for ways to deepen the way No Shoes Nation experiences this music,” shares Chesney, who played his 200th stadium show in 2024. “Over the years, they have shown me through their own response to these songs how passionate they are about what they mean, how these songs are part of their lives. When people give you that much heart, I want to give them even more.

“When we started talking about all of the possibilities playing Sphere offered, I was all in. Just the idea of 4D technology and the impossibly dialed in sound raises the experience for No Shoes Nation, literally immersing them in music, visuals, sound and being together. To me, this is going to be a whole new way of rocking the fans, and I can’t wait.”

The only country artist to rank in Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Acts of the Last 25 Years for 15 consecutive years, Chesney joins cultural icons like U2, Dead & Company, Eagles, Phish, and Afterlife Presents Anyma to headline the 17,600-seat spherical venue.

With technology so advanced, the video content had to be shot on a special camera developed specifically for Sphere’s configuration. It excited Chesney so much that he agreed to the residency without ever attending a concert there.

He shares, “When we started talking, I flew to Vegas with my key tour team. We stood on the floor as they ran the film of U2’s show and we were completely consumed. We could see the band, but it was so much more than that. It almost took what they were doing and multiplied it by another dimension.

“Knowing how much intensity our shows generate, my mind started thinking about all the things we could do. Once you see how the show wraps all the way around you, the dreaming begins.”

Early access tickets are available available now at kennychesney.vibee.com. General sale will begin on Friday, Jan. 31 starting at 10 a.m. PT via KennyChesney.com. Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere Las Vegas is presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum.

Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere Las Vegas Dates:
Thursday, May 22
Saturday, May 24
Sunday, May 25
Wednesday, May 28
Friday, May 30
Saturday, May 31
Wednesday, June 4
Friday, June 6
Saturday, June 7
Wednesday, June 11
Friday, June 13
Saturday, June 14

Niko Moon Advocates For Mental Health Awareness On CBS Mornings

Niko Moon recently appeared on CBS Mornings alongside Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC to highlight the importance of mental health awareness. The conversation focused on the 1 Million Strong initiative, which creates supportive and inclusive spaces at concerts and festivals to encourage open discussions about mental wellness and provide resources for those seeking support.

“Music has always been a source of healing for me, and I want it to be the same for my fans,” says Moon. “I’m proud to partner with 1 Million Strong to help create concert experiences that support sobriety and recovery while still being full of joy and connection.”

 

Kai Elmer Rises To VP/Promotion At Fair Trade Services

Kai Elmer has been promoted to Vice President of National Promotion at Fair Trade Services. After starting his career at Moody Broadcasting Network in Chicago, Elmer joined the Fair Trade team in 2007 as Manager of National Promotion. He has helped champion songs to Christian radio from many artists throughout his time at the label, including MercyMe, Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans, Micah Tyler, Skillet, Colton Dixon and more.

“It truly is a privilege to serve both our incredible artists and the Christian radio community at large,” says Elmer. “The success we’ve seen over the past few years is a testament to the creativity, hard work, and dedication of the entire Fair Trade team. I love this group of people and couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

 

My Furry Valentine Writers Round To Benefit Pet Community Center

“My Furry Valentine: Love Songs Saving Lives” features a songwriters round with Bryan White, Jamie O’Neal, Wade Hayes, Anita Cochran and Mandy Barnett at The Troubadour in Nashville on Feb. 11. 100 percent of the ticket proceeds from the show will provide care for deserving dogs and cats in the community through the Pet Community Center. PCC, which has been serving Nashville since 2011, has set a $15,000 fundraising goal for this event in order to continue opening doors to animal health by protecting the health of pets, preventing pet overpopulation, and providing for pets in need. PCC ensures that financial hardship does not prevent pets from receiving the care they deserve.

 

The Chuck Wagon Gang Signs With Thoroughbred Records

The Chuck Wagon Gang has signed with Thoroughbred Records , a division of Daywind Music Group. For nearly 90 years the group has influenced Gospel music with an instantly identifiable sound that seamlessly blends southern, country and bluegrass gospel and has captivated generations throughout their history. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, have performed in the White House, and had albums become part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent music collection. They have received multiple awards throughout their tenure, solidifying their place as one of the most influential groups in the genre, and sold millions of records and songbooks.

“With a rich history of nearly 90 years, it is a sincere honor to have the opportunity to work with and represent The Chuck Wagon Gang, as they continue to keep the unique sound and legacy of this legendary group alive for future generations to enjoy and appreciate,” says Jerry Salley, Creative Director and A&R at Thoroughbred Records.

The Recording Academy has unveiled a new schedule for Grammy Week 2025, concentrating on the events with the greatest impact.

As previously announced, the 67th annual Grammy Awards will still take place and air on CBS on Feb. 2 with a renewed focus of raising additional funds for wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and commitment of first responders. To maximize support for both the music community and all those impacted by the crisis in Los Angeles and beyond, many traditional Grammy Week events have been either canceled or restructured.

“We understand how devastating this past week has been on this city and its people,” shares Recording Academy & MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “This is our home, it’s home to thousands of music professionals, and many of us have been negatively impacted. So after thoughtful consideration, and multiple assurances from state and local elected leaders, public safety agencies, and with support from our incredible artist community, we have decided to go ahead with the Grammy telecast and some select events. Grammy Week 2025 will not just be about honoring music, it will be about using the power of music to help rebuild, uplift and support those in need.”

The updated Grammy Week schedule, with each event featuring a fundraising component, will include the MusiCares Persons of the Year Charity Gala honoring the Grateful Dead on Jan. 31, the Special Merit Awards Ceremony & Grammy Nominees Reception on Feb. 1 and Clive Davis’ & the Recording Academy’s Pre-Grammy Fundraising Event on also Feb. 1, all culminating with the awards on Feb. 2.

Since the launch of the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to Support Music Professionals last week, the Recording Academy and MusiCares have raised and committed over two million dollars in emergency assistance for music industry professionals impacted by the wildfires. To support the Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, or if you or someone you know needs assistance, click here.

Dead Horse Branding has promoted Brittany Hambrick to President of Operations & Branding.

Hambrick joined the company in 2021, after 10 years in the industry. Her previous roles include Global Brand Manager at Sony Music Entertainment where she led major artist campaigns, managed release strategies, digital marketing and brand development. At Universal Music Group, she served as Brand Management Specialist, executing marketing initiatives that strengthened brand visibility. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Wardrobe Stylist at The Label Nashville, designing looks for high-profile artists, TV productions and media campaigns.

Since joining Dead Horse Branding, Hambrick has played a key role in refining the company’s seven Formulas of Branding, spearheading artist development efforts, managing content production and cultivating strategic brand partnerships.

In her new position as President of Operations & Branding, she will continue to drive innovation, oversee client success and further expand the organization’s global presence. She will also manage the daily brand operations for clients, with a focus on developing new artists, and refine brand positioning, while leading the creation of engaging content, including photography, graphic design and music video concept, and oversee social media strategies to enhance engagement and extend reach.

“Working with Dead Horse Branding over the past three years has been an incredible experience,” shares Hambrick. “I’ve learned so much about branding, growth, and how to build meaningful connections with clients. One of the things that sets DHB apart is the opportunity to work directly with the client, gaining firsthand experience and insight into their needs and vision. This is something you can’t achieve in a company that doesn’t give you that personal connection. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to continue growing with such a talented and innovative team. Together, we’ll keep pushing boundaries.”

“We’ve known Brittany since 2012, and even then, she stood out to us as both an incredible person and a remarkable business talent,” says Melissa Core-Caballo, CEO and Co-Founder of Dead Horse Branding. “To think that just three years ago, we reunited unexpectedly, and in such a short time, Brittany has become more than just a part of Dead Horse Branding—she’s truly a partner. Her contributions have been integral to the success of our company and the clients we serve. This title and promotion are a perfect reflection of her impact, and we’re beyond excited to watch her continue to shape and lead the vision we’ve built. She is, without a doubt, Dead Horse Branding.”

“A true one-in-a-million! We’ve spent years searching for someone like Brittany, and she’s the perfect addition to both our team and our inner circle,” adds Rick Caballo, CCO. “Not only is she an incredible person, but she’s also absolutely brilliant at what she does. We’re all better for having her in our lives.”

Additionally, Dead Horse Branding had added Sergio Valenzuela as Assistant Creative Director, who will report directly to Hambrick and Rick Caballo.