BMI’s Clay Bradley and 2026 BMI Foundation Dolly Parton Songwriters Award Winner Kaden Trev. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

Singer-songwriter Kaden Trev received the 2026 Dolly Parton Songwriters Award from the BMI Foundation at the Ryman & BMI Block Party in Nashville on June 4.

Kaden’s winning song “Write My Wrongs” was selected from a record-breaking 600 applicants by a panel of music industry experts. The award was presented by BMI Foundation Trustee and BMI Vice President, Creative Clay Bradley following performances by Kat Luna, Robyn Ottolini, Tyce Delk, and TRIPPP.

In 2025, Trev advanced to Hollywood Week on American Idol, expanding his audience and music industry experience. This fall, he is set to attend Middle Tennessee State University to continue studying the music business while pursuing his dream of becoming a successful country artist.

“One of my favorite things is being able to put music to emotions and experiences into words,” shares Trev. “I’m super grateful for this award. It’s been really encouraging me to keep pursuing this dream that I have, and this passion that I love so much.”

The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award is an annual, national competition open to aspiring songwriters with a prize of $10,000 for the best original song entry in the genres of Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, and roots. Originally established in 2015 as the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship, the award was created to celebrate BMI’s 75th anniversary and pay homage to the musical epicenter and “Songwriting Capital of the World,” Nashville. In 2022, the program was revised to honor the creativity and generosity of the legendary artist Dolly Parton with an endowment from Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston as well as a contribution from country superstar Luke Combs.

Hunter Flynn and Lance Roberts. Photo: Courtesy of WME

Hunter Flynn has signed with WME for global representation.

Hailing from Eastern Kentucky, Flynn attended Eastern Kentucky University studying biomedical sciences before a 2021 car accident led him to focus on art and music. After leaving his insurance job and moving back into his grandmother’s basement, he began drawing charcoal portraits, writing songs and performing at open mic nights across Kentucky.

Over the last two years, Flynn has played nearly 200 shows across the United States and Europe. In 2025, he was named Artist in Residence at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, and he recently signed with Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.

“Hunter is the kind of artist you feel immediately. There’s a real depth and honesty to what he creates, and audiences are connecting with it in a powerful way. Between the growth we’re seeing and the foundation he’s built on the road, he’s just getting started,” shares WME’s Lance Roberts and Geoff Turner.

“I’ve spent the last few years building this one show at a time,” says Flynn. “To now have a team like WME behind me feels incredibly meaningful. I’m proud of where I come from, proud of the music we’re making, and excited for what’s ahead.”

Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

Riley Green has notched his seventh career No. 1 with “Change My Mine” on the Mediabase Country chart.

Written by Green with Erik Dylan and Randy Montana, “Change My Mind,” is featured on his ACM Album of the Year nominated 2024 record, Don’t Mind If I Do. The track follows his recent chart-toppers “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

Green will release his fourth album, That’s Just Me, on Sept. 18 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. He is currently on his “Cowboy As It Gets Tour,” and will make his debut as host of the CMA Fest Presented By SoFi television special, which will air June 25 on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

Lady A

Lady A will kick off their “THIS WINTER’S NIGHT TOUR 2026” on Dec. 10.

The eight show trek will hit Ohio, Indiana, New York and more before wrapping on Dec. 21 with two shows at the Ryman Auditorium.

“Last year’s Christmas shows truly filled our hearts with the magic of the season,” shares Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “We had so much fun that we couldn’t imagine not doing it again. We can’t wait for everyone to come on out with their loved ones and let’s spread some holiday cheer together.”

Fan Club presale tickets are available beginning Wednesday (June 10) at 10 a.m. local time, and general tickets go on sale Friday (June 12) at 10 a.m. local time here.

“THIS WINTER’S NIGHT TOUR 2026” Dates:
12/10 – Northfield Park Racino – Northfield, OH
12/11 – Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana – Gary, IN
12/12 – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center – Shipshewana, IN
12/17 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
12/18 – Parx Casino – Bensalem, PA
12/19 – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts – Greensboro, NC
12/21 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN *Matinee
12/21 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN

Inherit the Music and the National Independent Venue Foundation are helping participants find jobs in touring, talent buying, festivals, and venue operations, seeing measurable career outcomes for young people pursuing careers in live music across Tennessee through the VOX (Venue Operations and eXperience) Workforce Development Program.

Through the VOX program, 26 participants have completed paid internships at 13 independent venues statewide, with 60 percent of Tennessee participants securing job opportunities following the program one year into a two-year workforce development partnership. Nationally, 87 percent of VOX participants have secured employment opportunities as a direct result of the initiative.

Designed to create more accessible pathways into the live music industry, VOX pairs students and emerging professionals from historically underserved communities with hands-on training, mentorship, and paid work experience at independent venues. The initiative is supported through a $33,000 grant match from Inherit the Music, the nonprofit co-founded by philanthropist Alisha Ballard and Grammy-winning rockers Kings of Leon. The funding unlocked a total of $300,000 to support workforce training and paid internships at independent venues across Tennessee.

“Opportunity can be one of the biggest barriers to entry in the music industry,” says Ballard, Co-Founder of Inherit the Music. “What we’re seeing through VOX is the impact that happens when young people are given access, mentorship, and paid experience. Participants aren’t just learning — they’re building sustainable careers.”

VOX participants complete 12-week paid placements earning $20 per hour while receiving digital training, mentorship, and hands-on venue experience. The curriculum includes courses in production safety, accessibility, marketing, fan engagement, and live event operations.

Participating Tennessee venues in 2025 included DRKMTTR, The Basement East, The Caverns, Hi-Tone, and Overton Park Shell. The 2026 cohort expands to venues including 3rd & Lindsley, The East Room, Third Coast Comedy Club, Riverfront Nights, Bar DKDC, and Hernando’s Hideaway. In addition to venue placements, participants gain experience supporting live events and festivals throughout the state. The 2026 cohort will also participate in specialized improv-based training at Third Coast Comedy Club focused on communication and adaptability in live event environments.