Marty Stuart’s Congress Of Country Music Breaks Ground On Remainder Of Campus

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Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music Breaks Ground

Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the creation of the new museum and cultural center in Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Stuart led the ceremony as construction officially commenced on the remainder of the Congress of Country Music campus. The event marked a pivotal moment for the Congress, which is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of country music and its profound impact on American culture.

The museum, a centerpiece of the Congress, will showcase Stuart’s extensive collection of country music artifacts, along with treasures from the newly established partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“This is more than just a museum project,” says Stuart. “It’s about the preservation and furtherance of our musical history and culture. With the support of incredible partners, we’re creating a space that will inspire, educate and connect generations through the stories of country music.”

A highlight of the ceremony was the tribute to Miss Cynthia Lake and the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust of Reno, Nevada, whose extraordinary generosity will be immortalized with the dedication of the “Cynthia Lake Green Room and Administration Building.”

“Many individuals across the U.S. came out of the woodwork to devote their talent and resources to build the Marty Stuart Congress of Country Music for rural Mississippi,” says Lake, President of the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust. “This museum will have a positive impact for generations. Visitors from around the world will visit Philadelphia, Mississippi, and learn of its history and musical influences. I couldn’t be more proud of being a part of this groundbreaking project.”

WME Partners With Safe Haven To Help Families In Need For The Holidays

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WME staff with gifts donated to Safe Haven. Photo: Courtesy of WME

WME Nashville and Safe Haven Family Shelter have joined forces once again to support families in need this holiday season. WME staff, along with clients Lily Rose and Ashley Cooke and industry partners, contributed their time and resources to bring some holiday cheer to 21 families.

“I am so thankful to be able to help the families at Safe Haven Family Shelter for a second year,” says Carrie Murphy, WME Agent, who spearheaded the efforts. “I am moved at the generous spirit of my colleagues, clients and industry friends for jumping in to make sure these families truly have a Christmas to remember. Safe Haven does tremendous work throughout the year, and we are honored to play a small part in that as we close the year.”

Hundreds of gifts have been purchased and wrapped for distribution later this week. Last year’s donations consisted of bicycles, toys, clothing, daily essentials and more.

Safe Haven assists families who, due to various circumstances, are unable to afford gifts for their loved ones. Each year, the organization creates a wish list for every family in hopes that volunteers will contribute their time and resources to help fulfill these wishes. Safe Haven is still accepting monetary contributions.

Jackson Dean Plots U.S. Leg Of ‘On The Back Of My Dreams Tour’

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Jackson Dean & his dog, Elk. Photo: Sean Hagwell

Jackson Dean has announced the first round of U.S. dates for his “On The Back Of My Dreams Tour,” which also includes a two-month European run.

Kicking off in Illinois on March 13 with special guest Meg McRee, the U.S. leg will see the Platinum singer-songwriter take the stage in Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin and more. The journey is named after his sophomore project, which includes current top 40-and-climbing single “Heavens To Betsy” as well as “Duct Tape Heart,” a track that could be heard in the season-five finale of Yellowstone. The feature marked Dean’s third musical appearance in the series, with latest release “Still Ragin'” included in an earlier episode.

“This album was created with a live show in mind. Each song was written in a way that allows me and my men to make pure musical fusion each night and take the music to the next level—and I can’t wait to bring it to the people,” he shares.

A ticket presale begins tomorrow (Dec. 19), followed by general sales on Friday (Dec. 20). For more information, click here.

The tour news follows a huge year of travel for the Big Machine Records artist, as he played over 120 shows throughout 2024 at venues like Royal Albert Hall and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in addition to supporting Lainey Wilson on her “Country’s Cool Again Tour.”

Travis Tritt Announces 2025 Tour

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Travis Tritt is set to hit the road this spring on a new tour.

The trek will kick off April 5 at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center in Cherokee, North Carolina, and includes stops in Sioux Falls, Little Rock, Cincinnati, Myrtle Beach and more before wrapping at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Oc. 10. Tickets are on sale now at travistritt.com.

Tritt’s most recent album, Country Chapel, was his debut gospel project with Gaither Music Group. Country Chapel featured authentic renditions of gospel favorites and powerful testimonies of redemption, and pays homage to his formative years. Tritt has made over 40 appearances on the Hot Country Songs Chart, including five No. 1 hits and 20 top 10 singles throughout his career.

Tour Dates Below:
April 5, 2025 – Cherokee, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center
April 24, 2025 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
April 25, 2025 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheater
April 26, 2025 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena
May 16, 2025 – Durham, NC – Durham PAC
May 18, 2025 – Myrtle Beach, SC – The Carolina Opry Theater
May 23-24, 2025 – Mount Vernon, KY – New Barn Theatre
May 30, 2025 – York, PA – Rock the Country York
May 31, 2025 – Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theatre
June 6, 2025 – Bristol, VA – Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Bristol
June 7, 2025 – Hiawassee, GA – Anderson Music Hall
June 12, 2025 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverfront Live
June 13, 2025 – Hastings, MI – Rock the Country Hastings
June 20, 2025 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
June 21, 2025 – Little Rock, AR – Rock the Country Little Rock
June 27, 2025 – Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
June 28, 2025 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center
July 17, 2025 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
July 19, 2025 – Sioux Falls, SD – Rock the Country Sioux Falls
July 26, 2025 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
July 31, 2025 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate PAC
August 1, 2025 – Elkhorn, WI – Neon Nights Wisconsin
August 2, 2025 – Riverside, IA – Riverside Casino
August 8, 2025 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino
August 15, 2025 – Beaver Dam, KY – Beaver Dam Amphitheater
August 16, 2025 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Live
August 17, 2025 – Greenville, OH – The Great Darke County Fair
September 19, 2025* – Frederick, MD – The Great Frederick Fair
September 27, 2025 – Port Huron, MI – McMorran Place Arena
October 10, 2025 – Lake Charles, LA – Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino – Lake Charles
October 16, 2025 – Tulsa, OK – The Cove at River Spirit Casino
October 17, 2025 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
October 18, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – Ameristar Casino – Star Pavilion

Chase Rice Slates Two Acoustic Shows At Chief’s For February

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Chase Rice will play two exclusive, acoustic shows at the Neon Steeple, the intimate venue inside Chief’s on Broadway in Nashville, in February.

The evenings will include music from Rice’s two most recent albums as well as fan-favorite hits and some unreleased music.

On Feb. 13, Rice will host “A Night of I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell,” delving into the storytelling and emotion of the project, which includes “Bench Seat” and “Oklahoma” and seeks to capture his journey of loss, self-discovery and reconciliation with his past.

During “A Night of Go Down Singin’” on Feb. 14, Rice will share songs from his recently-released independent album, such as “Hey God It’s Me Again” and “You In ’85.” The collection aims to showcase his evolution as an artist.

Tickets for both dates go on sale this Friday, (Dec. 20). For more information, click here.

Following the pair of Music City shows, Rice will embark on his recently-announced “Go Down Singin’ International Tour.”

Maggie Antone Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Maggie Antone during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Maggie Antone made her Grand Ole Opry debut last Friday (Dec. 13).

Wearing her great grandmother’s fur stole, her grandmother’s ring and her mother’s earrings, the singer-songwriter and producer paid homage to her family and celebrated those who’ve helped her get to where she is today during the milestone moment. Antone also paired her favorite red boots from Boot Barn with a dress she purchased three years ago in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia in hopes of wearing it to the Opry one day.

The special performance closed out a big year for the artist, who released her debut album, Rhinestoned, via her own label, Love Big, in partnership with Thirty Tigers; toured with 49 Winchester, Ella Langley, Trampled by Turtles and Kat Hasty; booked gigs with Brent Cobb, Ian Munsick, Marty Stuart and The Red Clay Strays; and made appearances at festivals, including Bonnaroo, Bourbon & Beyond and Born & Raised, over the course of 2024.

Additionally, Antone will kick off her first-ever headline tour in early 2025 with support from Eli Winders, Molly Forbes and Kinsley.

Classic Episodes Of American Country Countdown With Bob Kingsley To Return To Air

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WSM-AM/Nashville will reair classic episodes of American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley starting Jan. 5 on WSM-AM/Nashville and on WSM Digital Streaming Platforms. The episodes will air on Sundays from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. The program has aired on WSM-AM/Nashville since 2021, highlighting Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40.

“We are excited to continue spotlighting Bob Kingsley’s broad collection of historic Country music programs,” shares WSM-AM/Nashville General Manager & Content Director Eric Marcum. “Further, as WSM Radio and the Opry celebrate its 100th birthday, we are pleased to dive deeper into the archives to bring a nostalgic listening experience for our audience.”

In addition, WSM-AM/Nashville will air a best-of installment of Bob Kingsley’s Christmas In America this Saturday (Dec. 21).

“I am so pleased that Bob’s American Country Countdown programs will be available to audiences around the world with the help of our friends at WSM-AM and Westwood One,” adds Nan Kingsley. “Bob wanted the countdown show to represent the best of Country music, and he worked tirelessly with his team to ensure the highest quality content was produced. I think you’ll hear that dedication when you rediscover these shows”

Opry’s 100 Celebration To Kick Off At Ryman In January

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The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 100th year on the airwaves at the Ryman Auditorium in 2025 with a special series of  “Opry at the Ryman” shows.

The Opry will usher in its centennial celebration on Jan. 3, with the Opry’s longest-tenured member, Bill Anderson, officially kicking off the 100th birthday celebration in a show that will also feature CMA Musician of the Year Charlie Worsham, Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy, Craig Morgan and more.

More “Opry at the Ryman” shows are scheduled for Jan. 4, 10, 11 and 17 and will feature performances by Opry members Kelsea Ballerini (Jan. 10), Henry Cho (Jan. 11), Ashley McBryde (Jan. 10), Gary Mule Deer (Jan. 17), Steve Wariner (Jan. 10), Lainey Wilson (Jan. 11) and more.  The Opry will return to its permanent home, the Grand Ole Opry House, for shows beginning Jan. 18.

Beginning with the first Opry show of 2025, the “Opry 100” celebration will pay tribute to the artists, fans and songs that have cemented the Opry as the cultural heart and home of country music since its debut on WSM radio in 1925.

To celebrate the milestone, The Ryman will unveil a new Opry 100 exhibition, which will also debut on Jan. 3 as part of the Ryman daytime tours. The exhibit chronicles the Opry’s extraordinary journey over the past century, from its inception as a radio broadcast to becoming an iconic cornerstone of country music and American culture. Visitors will experience a multimedia display with a collection of artifacts and rare photos highlighting pivotal moments in Opry history and legendary entertainers, including Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs and Hank Williams.

Additional activations announced for Opry 100 include the Opry going to London’s Royal Albert Hall in Fall 2025; a special “Opry 100 Honors” show series and 100 Opry debuts throughout the year, including multi-Grammy nominee Shaboozey as the first debut of 2025 on Jan. 18 at the Opry House; and an official 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry book (Abrams, April 15, 2025) and other Opry 100 commemorative merchandise.

Little Big Town Honored With 25th Anniversary Plaque At Nashville Show

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Pictured (L-R): Lori Christian (UMG Nashville), Jackie Jones (RIAA), Jimi Westbrook, Michele Ballantyne (RIAA), Karen Fairchild, Rob Femia (UMG Nashville), Kimberly Schlapman, Cindy Mabe (UMG Nashville), Phillip Sweet and Jake Basden (Sandbox Entertainment). Photo: Becky Fluke

Little Big Town celebrated their 25th anniversary in style on Friday night (Dec. 13) during their sold-out homecoming show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Just before taking the stage for the final night of their “Take Me Home Tour” with Sugarland, the band was surprised with a special plaque from UMG Nashville and Sandbox Entertainment, commemorating 25 years together as a band and 29 million RIAA-certified units.

The milestone capped off a landmark year for the Grammy-winning group. In addition to hitting the road, Little Big Town released their first-ever Greatest Hits album, which highlights 12 tracks from their genre-defining discography and features collaborations with Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert and Sugarland.

The band also ventured into holiday music for the first time with The Christmas Record, an 11-track LP produced by Dave Cobb. Featuring country classics and original songs, the project took center stage at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, where Little Big Town delivered standout performances of “Santa Claus Is Back in Town,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Glow.”

Lily Rose Extends ‘Runnin’ Outta Time Tour’ Into 2025

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Lily Rose. Photo: Justice Lowe

Lily Rose is kicking off the new year with her headlining “Runnin’ Outta Time Tour 2025,” featuring special guest Payton Smith.

The tour will make 14 stops across the country beginning at Nashville’s Basement East on Jan. 15 and visiting Cincinnati, Pensacola, Minneapolis, Dallas and more through May 17. After playing 23 headlining shows on her “Runnin’ Outta Time Tour” this fall, the extended tour will keep the party going into 2025, celebrating her EP of the same name released earlier this year. Pre-sale begins tomorrow (Dec. 18) and tickets will be available to the public Dec. 20. Tickets and more information are available at lilyrosemusic.net.

“After a few years of opening up for some of my favorite artists, it was so fun to get out on our very own ‘Runnin Outta Time Tour’ and play 23 headlining shows for y’all,” says Rose. “Turns out I’m not quite ready for that to be over yet so you’re stuck with me for another 14 shows in 2025! Might even add some more along the way…”

Rose also recently released the punchy pop-rock track “Even After Everything,” which co-written with Paul DiGiovanni, Seth Ennis and Andy Albert, which explores the toxic allure that keeps us tied to love long after it has lost its shine.

“Runnin’ Outta Time Tour 2025” Dates:
Jan. 15 — Nashville, Tenn. — Basement East
March 27 — Flint, Mich. — The Machine Shop
March 28 — Wyandotte, Mich. — District 142
March 29 — Cincinnati, Ohio — Bogart’s
April 2 — Pensacola, Fla. — Vinyl Music Hall
April 3 — Gainesville, Fla. — Heartwood Soundstage
April 4 — Sanford, Fla. — Tuffy’s Music Box
April 6 — Jacksonville, Fla. — FIVE
May 1 — Minneapolis, Minn. — Fine Line
May 2 — Omaha, Neb. — Barnato
May 3 — Springfield, Mo. — Midnight Rodeo
May 15 — Tulsa, Okla. — Cain’s Ballroom
May 16 — Dallas, Texas — Granada Theater
May 17 — Cedar Park, Texas — The Haute Spot