The CMA has announced the 2026 class of CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence, honoring 30 extraordinary educators across 12 states who are using the power of music to transform lives.
Presented through CMA’s philanthropic arm the CMA Foundation, Music Teachers of Excellence shines a national spotlight on the teachers building stronger, more well-rounded young people every day. Now in its landmark 10th year, the program has now recognized more than 200 educators, with its legacy defined not by a single moment of recognition, but by the lasting impact those teachers have had on the students and communities they serve.
“Ten years ago, we made a promise to the educators who dedicate their lives to music education: we see you, and we’re with you,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Music Teachers of Excellence was built on the belief that our industry has a responsibility to invest in the people building the pipeline of music lovers, artists, and fans for generations to come. This milestone year isn’t just a celebration of these 30 remarkable educators. It’s a celebration of the legacy we have built together, and a reminder of how much more we can do when the music industry unites around a shared cause.”
The 2026 class will be celebrated at a red carpet gala on Oct. 7 at The Pinnacle in Nashville, bringing together teachers, artists, community leaders, and industry professionals to honor the educators whose work will define the legacy of music education for decades to come. Honorees are also invited to participate in a year of professional development and engagement with CMA’s broader industry network, including curated experiences at CMA events that provide behind-the-scenes access to the business of country music.
To further elevate the event, CMA has again assembled a Music Teachers of Excellence Planning Committee, comprised of leaders from across the music industry and beyond. Planning Committee members include Sloane Cavitt Logue (WME), Jackie Augustus (Spotify), Rachel Brittain (CAA), Beth Carter (CNN), Hayley Corbett (Artist Manager), Sarah DeMarco, Sara Foster (TV and Live Event Producer), JoJamie Hahr (BMG), Olivia Hanceri (OH Creative), Halie Hampton Mosley (WHY&HOW), Lucia Kaminsky (Sandbox Entertainment), Rakiyah Marshall England (Back Blocks Music), Morgan Mills (CMDSHFT), Marcel Pariseau (True Public Relations), Jake Roggenbuck, Chandler Sherrill (Electric Feel), Mark Thomas (Propeller), and Hannah Wilson (MCA).
The 2026 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence:
Midwest:
David Hutter, Maine South High School, Park Ridge, IL
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic:
Kyle Cook, Western Branch Middle School, Chesapeake, VA
Ryan Mack, P.S. 10 Magnet School of Math, Science, & Design Technology, Brooklyn, NY
Kevin McDonald, Wellesley High School, Wellesley, MA
Alice Tsui, New Bridges Elementary School, Brooklyn, NY
Southeast:
Lucy Alegria, Gallatin High School, Gallatin, TN
Michael Aymett, Riverdale High School, Murfreesboro, TN
Trevor Baxter, Centennial High School, Franklin, TN
Melissa Blizzard, Stevens Creek Elementary School, Martinez, GA
Johnny Croft, Cane Ridge High School, Antioch, TN
Julia Culp, Freedom Middle School, Franklin, TN
Elmer Feliciano, McMurray Middle School, Nashville, TN
Aurora Foster, Woodland Middle School, Brentwood, TN
Darlene Grande, Stonewyck Elementary School, Orlando, FL
Sherie Grossman, James Lawson High School, Nashville, TN
Tony Hartman, Scales Elementary School, Murfreesboro, TN
Kinsey Healy, Houston High School, Germantown, TN
Samuel Holmes, Garden Hills Elementary School, Atlanta, GA
Allen Kennedy, Hume-Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN
Taylor Kollmeier, Page High School, Franklin, TN
Ashleigh Ledford, Sterling School, Greenville, SC
Ollie Liddell, Memphis Central High School, Memphis, TN
Nathaniel O’Neal, DuPont Hadley Middle School, Old Hickory, TN
Michael Perryman, Ooltewah Elementary School, Ooltewah, TN
Southwest:
Efrain Casillas, Desert Oasis Elementary School and Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School, Phoenix, AZ
Corey Graves, Themer Middle School, Forney, TX
West:
Grace Kwon, Stoddard Elementary School, Anaheim, CA
Darlene Machacon, La Quinta High School, Westminster, CA
Henry Miller, Sierra Vista Middle School, Irvine, CA
Kimberly Ritzer, Green Valley High School, Henderson, NV
Lauren Watkins Renews Publishing Deal With Big Loud Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, front row): Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud), Lauren Watkins and Katie Flynn (Creative Director, Big Loud Publishing). (L-R, back row): Kimberly Gleason (SVP, Big Loud Publishing), Bethany Mako (A&R Manager, Warner Chappell Music) and Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records). Photo: Jessie Addleman
Lauren Watkins has renewed her publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing.
“When I walked into Big Loud for the first time five years ago, I instantly felt they were the right team for me. What started in that room has turned into years of encouragement, challenge, support, and of course, hundreds of songs that were waiting to be written,” shares Watkins. “I’m so grateful to be signing a new publishing deal with Big Loud and to start this brand-new chapter with the same hardworking, song-loving folks who believed in me from the very beginning. I feel so blessed to keep writing songs under this roof.”
“Lauren is such a brilliant songwriter and, we feel incredibly fortunate to continue working with her. She consistently writes some of the most compelling songs coming out of Nashville, and she’s only getting started. Her creativity, storytelling and energy are propelling her into a really exciting new chapter and we can’t wait for what’s next,” adds Katie Flynn, Big Loud Publishing Creative Director.
Watkins will release her first song of 2026 this Friday (May 15), “Heartbreakaholic.” Co-penned alongside Will Bundy, Nicolle Galyon and Rodney Clawson, the track showcases her honest, self-aware storytelling. Watkins will join Dylan Scott and Luke Bryan on select tour dates throughout the year, as well as make festival appearaces at Winstock Country Music Festival, Under the Big Sky Festival, Cabo Country Splash and more.
Industry Ink: Eric Church, ACM, Grammy, ‘Gateway,’ Jimmy Bowen & Friends
/by Lauryn SinkEric Church Gives UNC Chapel Hill Commencement Speech
Eric Church. Photo: Courtesy of UNC-Chapel Hill
Eric Church served as the keynote speaker at UNC Chapel Hill’s Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday. The North Carolina native spoke of family, faith, community, resilience and perseverance in relation to the six strings of his guitar. He ended the address with a rendition of “Carolina.”
Academy Of Country Music Unveils 61st ACM Awards Radio Special
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside, Becca Walls, Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Libby Gardner, Matt Brum-Taylor. Photo: Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music is offering a non-exclusive radio special hosted by Dan + Shay in the lead up to the 61st ACM Awards.
“Countdown to the ACM Awards” is a two-hour special featuring Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Zach Top, Shania Twain, Lainey Wilson and more, with no national spots, 14 minutes of local avails per hour, and a broadcast window of May 11 to May 17. A brown bag version will also be made available.
The special is available here.
Music Industry Members To Mentor Nashville Students In Grammy In The Schools Program
The Grammy Museum’s Grammy In The Schools Program, a regional music career day presented in partnership with the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter, will host an event in Nashville on Wednesday (May 13).
Industry participants will include Eleonore Denig, Mike Elizondo, JoJamie Hahr, Morgan “MORGXN” Karr, Josh “Sci-FY” Smith, Emoni Wilkins, Franklin Willis, Arin Canbolat, Schyler O’Neal, Sydney Verge, Alicia Warwick and Sydney Verge.
Dana Richie Hosts ‘Gateway’ Premiere
Pictured (L-R): Patrick Custer, Debbie Carroll, Dana Richie, Ty Herndon and Leslie Fram. Photo: Mackenzie Boyd
Music and media leaders recently gathered at the Soho House premiere of the award-winning documentary Gateway. Sponsored by the Nashville Film Festival and written, produced and directed by Dana Richie of Backlot Productions, the film features three families impacted by opioid addiction and their journeys of heartbreak and hope.
Following the screening, FEMco’s Leslie Fram moderated a panel discussion featuring Debbie Carroll, Ty Herndon, Patrick Custer and Richie. Both Herndon and Custer shared their personal stories of addiction and recovery.
Jimmy Bowen & Friends To Return For Season 12
Jimmy Bowen & Friends will return for season 12 with appearances from Belles, Casey James, Emmy Russell, Eric Blankenship, Frank Myers, Hilljack, Jeff Bates, Kelly Lang, Midlife Crisis, Morgan Myles, Olivia Jo and Onoleigh.
Filming will take place at The Troubadour Nashville on May 19-21. The shows are free and open to the public.
Patrick Droney Unveils New Project Due In July
/by Lauryn SinkPatrick Droney has unveiled his new project, Made You Look, set for release July 24 via Warner Records.
The album will feature a collaboration with Kelsea Ballerini on “Math of Us.” The 12-track project was produced largely in Nashville in collaboration with Konrad Snyder, and it also features contributions from producers Collin Pastore and Jake Finch, drummer Bryan Devendorf and string arranger Davide Rossi. The album was mixed by Jon Low.
“I wanted to get extremely intimate with the lyrics,” says Droney. “There was no way I couldn’t go there musically and artistically at this time in my life. I wanted people to look with me. Not at me.”
He has previewed the album with “Back In My Body,” released last week, which explores rediscovery of true self and was written while Droney was sequestered alone in an attic.
Made You Look Track List:
1. “Manhattan”
2. “Coming of a Certain Age”
3. “Back In My Body”
4. “Fear of Missing You”
5. “Math of Us”
6. “Perfect If You Ask Me”
7. “Cigarette Break”
8. “Maybe This Time Around”
9. “Growing a Garden”
10. “For The Ending”
11. “Life’s a Party”
12. “Made You Look”
Austin Goodloe Leaps Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenAustin Goodloe
Austin Goodloe has jumped into the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ella Langley‘s “Broken,” “Dandelion” and “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” Corey Kent’s “Empty Words” and “Rocky Mountain Low,” and Kameron Marlowe’s “No Need For Leavin'” all push the songwriter to No. 3 this week.
Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again,” “Low Lights,” “Somethin’ Simple,” “We Know Us” and “You & Me Time.” Joybeth Taylor remains at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Low Lights,” “Somethin’ Simple,” “Speaking Terms,” “We Know Us” and “You & Me Time.”
Randy Montana (No. 4) and HARDY (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Russell Dickerson Brings Birthday Celebration To Ascend Amphitheater
/by Madison HahnenRussell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney
Russell Dickerson celebrated his birthday in front of a hometown crowd Friday night (May 8) at Ascend Amphitheater, delivering a high-energy set packed with career-spanning hits, special moments and a few surprises for fans gathered along the Cumberland River.
The evening opened on a surprise note when Thomas Rhett took the stage acoustically for a performance of his Diamond-certified ballad “Die A Happy Man,” before Dickerson and his band even hit the stage.
Starting off on an energetic note, Dickerson launched into fan favorites including “Worth Your Wild,” “It’s About Time” and “Home Sweet.”
Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney
“Thank y’all for coming to my birthday party tonight,” Dickerson shared from stage. “I’m gonna try not to cry on my birthday. This is insane. I hear your beautiful, angelic voices.”
Tracks like “She Likes It,” “Sunrise In My Silverado,” “Sippin’ On Top Of The World,” “Bones,” “Love You Like I Used To” “B.O.A.T,” and “Blue Tacoma” kept the crowd singing along throughout the night.
One of the evening’s standout moments came when rising artist Adrien Nunez led the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” for Dickerson. Following the performance, Dickerson surprised Nunez onstage by revealing that he would soon make his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
After a tender moment of “16 me” with pictures of Dickerson’s childhood flashing on screen, he then went into “What A Life,” weaving through fans as the amphitheater erupted around him. Up on the B-stage, Dickerson gave solo spotlight performances of “Famous Back Home,” “God Gave Me A Girl,” and “Every Little Thing.” He then returned to the stage to perform his newly released Fetty Wap collaboration “Boots,” which dropped earlier that day.
After “Love That I Love You,” a mashup of “MGNO” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” added another celebratory moment to the birthday show atmosphere.
Dickerson closed the evening with emotional and dynamic performances of “Yours” and “Happen To Me.”
The “RUSSELLMANIA Tour” will continue this Wednesday at Red Rocks, with additional stops in Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and more. He is also slated for festival appearances at CMA Fest, Summerfest, Windy City Smokeout and more throughout the summer.
Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney
Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney
Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney
Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney
2026 CMA Foundation Music Teachers Of Excellence Announced
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CMA has announced the 2026 class of CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence, honoring 30 extraordinary educators across 12 states who are using the power of music to transform lives.
Presented through CMA’s philanthropic arm the CMA Foundation, Music Teachers of Excellence shines a national spotlight on the teachers building stronger, more well-rounded young people every day. Now in its landmark 10th year, the program has now recognized more than 200 educators, with its legacy defined not by a single moment of recognition, but by the lasting impact those teachers have had on the students and communities they serve.
“Ten years ago, we made a promise to the educators who dedicate their lives to music education: we see you, and we’re with you,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Music Teachers of Excellence was built on the belief that our industry has a responsibility to invest in the people building the pipeline of music lovers, artists, and fans for generations to come. This milestone year isn’t just a celebration of these 30 remarkable educators. It’s a celebration of the legacy we have built together, and a reminder of how much more we can do when the music industry unites around a shared cause.”
The 2026 class will be celebrated at a red carpet gala on Oct. 7 at The Pinnacle in Nashville, bringing together teachers, artists, community leaders, and industry professionals to honor the educators whose work will define the legacy of music education for decades to come. Honorees are also invited to participate in a year of professional development and engagement with CMA’s broader industry network, including curated experiences at CMA events that provide behind-the-scenes access to the business of country music.
To further elevate the event, CMA has again assembled a Music Teachers of Excellence Planning Committee, comprised of leaders from across the music industry and beyond. Planning Committee members include Sloane Cavitt Logue (WME), Jackie Augustus (Spotify), Rachel Brittain (CAA), Beth Carter (CNN), Hayley Corbett (Artist Manager), Sarah DeMarco, Sara Foster (TV and Live Event Producer), JoJamie Hahr (BMG), Olivia Hanceri (OH Creative), Halie Hampton Mosley (WHY&HOW), Lucia Kaminsky (Sandbox Entertainment), Rakiyah Marshall England (Back Blocks Music), Morgan Mills (CMDSHFT), Marcel Pariseau (True Public Relations), Jake Roggenbuck, Chandler Sherrill (Electric Feel), Mark Thomas (Propeller), and Hannah Wilson (MCA).
The 2026 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence:
Midwest:
David Hutter, Maine South High School, Park Ridge, IL
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic:
Kyle Cook, Western Branch Middle School, Chesapeake, VA
Ryan Mack, P.S. 10 Magnet School of Math, Science, & Design Technology, Brooklyn, NY
Kevin McDonald, Wellesley High School, Wellesley, MA
Alice Tsui, New Bridges Elementary School, Brooklyn, NY
Southeast:
Lucy Alegria, Gallatin High School, Gallatin, TN
Michael Aymett, Riverdale High School, Murfreesboro, TN
Trevor Baxter, Centennial High School, Franklin, TN
Melissa Blizzard, Stevens Creek Elementary School, Martinez, GA
Johnny Croft, Cane Ridge High School, Antioch, TN
Julia Culp, Freedom Middle School, Franklin, TN
Elmer Feliciano, McMurray Middle School, Nashville, TN
Aurora Foster, Woodland Middle School, Brentwood, TN
Darlene Grande, Stonewyck Elementary School, Orlando, FL
Sherie Grossman, James Lawson High School, Nashville, TN
Tony Hartman, Scales Elementary School, Murfreesboro, TN
Kinsey Healy, Houston High School, Germantown, TN
Samuel Holmes, Garden Hills Elementary School, Atlanta, GA
Allen Kennedy, Hume-Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN
Taylor Kollmeier, Page High School, Franklin, TN
Ashleigh Ledford, Sterling School, Greenville, SC
Ollie Liddell, Memphis Central High School, Memphis, TN
Nathaniel O’Neal, DuPont Hadley Middle School, Old Hickory, TN
Michael Perryman, Ooltewah Elementary School, Ooltewah, TN
Southwest:
Efrain Casillas, Desert Oasis Elementary School and Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School, Phoenix, AZ
Corey Graves, Themer Middle School, Forney, TX
West:
Grace Kwon, Stoddard Elementary School, Anaheim, CA
Darlene Machacon, La Quinta High School, Westminster, CA
Henry Miller, Sierra Vista Middle School, Irvine, CA
Kimberly Ritzer, Green Valley High School, Henderson, NV
The Opry Celebrates ‘Summer Of The Century’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is celebrating “Summer Of The Century” in its 100th year as they turn up the heat this season with an array of artists, shows and special celebrations all season long.
The “Summer Of The Century” will feature star-studded lineups on special shows that will include the traditional superstar-studded CMA Fest week, an Opry 100 Honors show, a ’90s country celebration, backstage tours, and a weekly Outdoor Concert Series. June 2-6 the Opry celebrates CMA Fest with Carrie Underwood, Avery Anna, Jordan Davis, Maddox Batson, Deana Carter and more taking the stage.
On June 10 Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Rodney Crowell and other stars will pay tribute to country’s “Gentle Giant” Don Williams and the songs that dominated decades of country radio. Several weeks later on June 28, the Opry will feature a special Throwback show celebrating the artists, the songs, and the neo-traditional sound that defined the ’90s.
Every Friday and Saturday, the Opry’s Free Outdoor Concert Series will set the tone for an unforgettable Opry evening where fans can soak in the sunset and catch local acts on the plaza stage before the show. Tickets are on sale now for all Opry 2026 shows through December 2026 at opry.com.
Jackie Martínez Marushka Launches Hispanic Entertainment Alliance Charitable Fund
/by Lauryn SinkJackie Martínez Marushka.
The Hispanic Entertainment Alliance, founded by entertainment PR strategist Jackie Martínez Marushka, has launched the Hispanic Entertainment Alliance Charitable Fund, a 501(c)(3).
“Just before I moved to Nashville from New Mexico in 1995, my mother locked eyes with me and said, ‘No te olvides tu cultura’ which translates to ‘Don’t forget your culture’ — I didn’t forget and it’s her statement that drives me daily,” says Marushka.
Marushka founded the Hispanic Entertainment Alliance in 2019, and the organization supports the Hispanic and Latin American creative community in arenas of the entertainment industry including film, photography, fashion, acting, writing, music, and support teams made up of managers, publicists, graphic designers, venues, venue bookers, touring staff and business managers.
The fund will spotlight the Americana Music Foundation, Break Thru TN, Compassion Through Action, Country Latin Hispanic Family Foundation, MusiCares, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, NMAAM, Origins Music Impact, Whippoorwill Arts and more.
“Jackie is truly part of our Foundation family and supporting her philanthropic vision through the Hispanic Entertainment Alliance Charitable Fund is an honor. Amplifying these outstanding nonprofit partners reflects the kind of impact we strive to make,” says Rondal Richardson, Director of Entertainment Philanthropy at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
More information about the fund can be found here.
The Mavericks To Honor Raul Malo With ‘The Music Lives On Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Mavericks. Photo: Alejandro Menéndez Vega
The Mavericks will honor their beloved leader Raul Malo when they return to the road for “The Music Lives On Tour,” featuring lead vocals from artists James Otto and Emily West.
The tour follows The Mavericks’ two-night tribute at The Ryman last December, where Otto and West were among the performers honoring the band’s decades-long history and the impact of Malo. Kicking off in July, the Mavericks will take their tribute tour across the country this year with shows in Knoxville, Dallas, Orlando, Charleston, and more through Nov. 14. Tickets are on sale now here.
“James Otto and Emily West are undeniable talents,” says Mavericks drummer Paul Deakin. “We were fortunate to have them on our tribute show at the Ryman and they both gave standing ovation performances. Add to that their love and respect for Raul, and The Mavericks made them our top choice to come on the road with us for this first leg of ‘The Music Lives On Tour.’ We are lucky to have them and we are looking forward to many memorable, joyous nights on stage with them celebrating Raul and the legacy of The Mavericks.”
“It is with great joy that I join The Mavericks on tour this summer, alongside my longtime friend and powerhouse James Otto, honoring the incomparable Raul Malo and his timeless works of art,” says West. “The music lives on.”
“I’m honored to have been asked to join The Mavericks for The Music Lives On Tour. When I joined the band at The Ryman for a couple shows to honor Raul in December, I felt an undeniable musical chemistry but I never imagined it would turn into this opportunity,” shares Otto. “I’ve had friends in the band for over 20 years and have always loved and respected their music. Their eclectic, outside-the-box energy has always appealed to me. Raul Malo’s voice is iconic and his stellar songwriting and musicianship made him a legend. I am humbled to lend my talents to the band and share the stage with my golden-voiced friend Emily West to celebrate Raul and The Mavericks’ musical legacy. I believe in my heart Raul would want the band and the music he spent a lifetime creating to play on. I’m really looking forward to playing all this incredible music and meeting all the fans out on tour. Viva Las Canciones de El Maestro.”
Malo passed away on Dec. 8, 2025 following a battle with colon cancer. Across his career, he earned multiple Grammy, ACM and CMA awards.
The Music Lives On Tour Dates:
July 17 – Kansas City, MO @ Knuckleheads
July 18 – Kansas City, MO @ Knuckleheads
July 23 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
July 24 – Des Moines, IA @ Hoyt Sherman Place
July 25 – Prior Lake, MN @ Mystic Lake Casino
July 31 – Durham, NC @ Carolina Theatre
August 1 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall
August 2 – Knoxville, TN @ Bijou Theatre
August 6 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Tower Theatre
August 7 – Austin, TX @ ACL Live at the Moody Theatre
August 8 – Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
August 21 – Beverly, MA @ The Cabot
August 22 – Webster, MA @ Indian Ranch
August 27 – Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Center
August 28 – Jim Thorpe, PA @ Penn’s Peak
August 29 – Lansdowne, PA @ Landsdowne Theater
August 30 – Hammondsport, NY @ Point of the Bluff Vineyard
September 10 – Orlando, FL @ Plaza Live
September 11 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse
September 12 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
September 18 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
September 19 – Helotes, TX @ Floore’s Country Store
October 29 – Morristown, NJ @ Mayo Performing Arts Center
October 31 – Tarrytown, NY @ Tarrytown Music Hall
November 6 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
November 8 – Joliet, IL @ Rialto Square Theatre
November 12 – Shipshewana, IN @ Blue Gate Theatre
November 13 – Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater
November 14 – Madison, WI @ Orpheum Theater
ECCHO Live Expands Mental Health Initiatives
/by Madison HahnenECCHO Live will host a series of in-person and virtual touchpoints. Programming includes workplace lunch and learn sessions with PRG and MooTV, a collaborative webinar with Rock Lititz and Rock Nashville, and a multi-day All Access On Site (AAOS) mental health activation at the Rock Nashville campus.
They will also host a Day Off community event with VIP Nation at Live Nation in Nashville as part of their ongoing series to create space for connection, conversation, and shared insight across the live events industry. Community events are open to industry professionals.
“For too long, care in this industry has lived off-site, off-hours, and often too late,” says Chris Lisle, Executive Director of ECCHO Live. “We’re working to change that by making resources more visible, more accessible, and more integrated into the environments where people are actually doing the work.”
Since the start of this year, ECCHO Live has facilitated more All Access sessions than the organization held during its first five years combined. Through All Access programming, the organization provides up to four free, confidential annual sessions focused on mental health counseling and financial wellness.