Tay Keith
In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, few producers have captured the zeitgeist like Tay Keith. A Grammy-nominated, three-time BMI Producer of the Year, the Memphis-born producer has redefined success by bridging the gap between his hometown’s trailblazing rap scene and the global stage.
He began making music in middle school, teaching himself to rap, produce and DJ while eagerly collaborating with anyone willing to join in the creative process.
“My mom was married and her husband [at the time] was DJing. That’s what exposed me to it,” Tay tells MusicRow from his state-of-the-art new studio in Nashville. “I went to my dad’s house on the weekends, and my brothers and the neighbors would record music on the computer. I said, ‘One day I’m going to get me a mic and do this shit.’ And that’s what I did.”
The journey began right there in Memphis, with Tay producing tracks for local stars like Yo Gotti, Blac Youngsta and Moneybagg Yo. Songs such as “Gang Gang” and “Birthday” established his reputation locally, as did his work with another Memphis breakout BlocBoy JB, with Tay producing “Shoot” and “Rover” for the rapper. His meteoric rise, however, came in 2018 when global hitmaker Drake, whose father lived in Memphis for a time, joined BlocBoy JB on “Look Alive.”
“[BlocBoy JB] started paying me like $15 or $20 for beats and to record him when we were in high school, so he was the only one who was investing in it. When I got to college, we started putting in more work together and it worked.”
The track catapulted Tay to international fame and opened the door to more collaborations with Drake, culminating in the chart-topping single “SICKO MODE” with Travis Scott, which earned him his first Grammy nomination and an RIAA Diamond certification—all while Tay was finishing college at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), just an hour south of Nashville.
“It felt good, especially when people started asking for pictures,” Tay says when asked about his newfound notoriety on campus, and in the music world. “It didn’t phase me too much. I just kept doing what I do and staying grounded.”
Even as his career soared, he remained committed to personal growth, earning his degree in 2018. That milestone marked him as the first in his family to graduate college—a testament to his determination and ability to juggle academic and professional success during the same year his work topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. When he walked across the stage at the commencement ceremony, the face of his graduation cap listed the hits he had produced by the ripe age of 22.
Tay Keith and MusicRow’s LB Cantrell at his studio in Nashville
“I had to something to prove as a first generation grad,” he shares. “Both of my parents had a trade education: my momma got a GED and went to cosmetology school, and my daddy was a locksmith. They really helped me and pushed me to go to school and better myself in education. My graduation from college was special for them.”
Since then, Tay has continued to dominate the charts, crafting hits like Drake and J. Cole’s “First Person Shooter,”Drake’s “Rich Flex” and “For All the Dogs” and Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go.” From the U.K. rap scene to Jennifer Lopez’s latest album, his production prowess knows no bounds.
Notably, he has played a pivotal role in Sexyy Red’s rise to stardom, serving as her executive producer on EP In Sexyy We Trust, which spawned hits like “Get It Sexyy” and “U My Everything,” as well as her smash “Pound Town.” Under Tay’s guidance, Sexyy Red has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning multiple Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award nominations in 2024.
In addition to his chart-topping hits, Tay is reshaping Nashville’s music landscape through his Drumatized studio and record label—the second Black-owned studio in the city. With monthly music camps that merge hip-hop and country music, Drumatized fosters collaboration and innovation. These camps, including a recent series in partnership with Apple Music, SMACK and Prescription Songs, have helped break new ground in cross-genre creativity.
Drumatized and Prescription Songs camp
“I work all over, but Nashville is the headquarters. This is what we’re building,” Tay says. “We’re trying to bring our world here, and it’s been a challenge, but we’ve been staying consistent and networking.
“Beyond me, it’s also my team. My producers, my manager, the A&R people and assistants—everybody is helping make this shit work,” he adds of Drumatized’s Nashville presence. “They’re hungry. I represent them, but they also represent me and my brand. I appreciate my team for going so hard. I love what I’m creating as far as my team and the impact we’re making here.”
His work extends beyond production. Tay’s influence as an honorary professor at MSTU and his dedication to mentoring young talent position him as a leader shaping the next generation of music creators. Through initiatives like the Drumatized camps and his hands-on approach with emerging artists, he continues to expand his legacy.
Drumatized and SMACK camp
As for his next personal goal, Tay wants a plaque on the wall for his first country No. 1.
“I’ve been working with a lot of different country artists. Reyna Roberts and I have a lot of songs together. I’ve worked with Kane Brown. Ernest was one of the first people in Nashville to embrace me as a Black hip-hop producer, and Bailey Zimmerman has been good friend to me.”
As his influence grows, so does Tay’s commitment to pushing boundaries. From producing tracks that define eras to fostering diversity and inclusion in Nashville’s music industry, he is more than a producer—he’s a visionary charting a course for the future of music.
Dasha Named MTV’s December Global Push Artist [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenDasha.
MTV Push has named Dasha as their Global Push Artist for December.
The singer-songwriter released her debut country album, What Happens Now?, earlier this year. The project received praise for its relatability, storytelling and raw emotion. Featured on the album is the viral hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)”, amassing more than 10 billion views on TikTok and receiving Platinum certification in the U.S., along with 17 other countries.
Dasha’s global success has come from her honest and pure approach to making music. This year, she was awarded the People’s Choice Country Award for Female Song of 2024, and has been nominated for numerous other awards.
As part of the MTV Push program, Dasha sat down with MTV to discuss her artistry, musical influences and journey so far, including a performance of her hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” which will premier today (Dec. 6) at 5 p.m. EST. Dasha also performed “Bye Bye Bye” off the deluxe edition off What Happens Now?, which will go live at 12 p.m. EST today.
“Being here with MTV Push and this whole year under my belt, it’s been so fast-paced but it feels good,” shared Dasha. “I feel like I’ve kind of learned how to balance that a bit more. I’m still learning, trust me, but I’m just, I feel more confident in who I am and more genuine than I ever have in myself and I think that’s the secret to, you know, being a long-lasting artist.”
Made by MTV’s Music & Talent US & International teams, MTV Push draws fans across the globe to a new music artist every month through live performances, exclusive broadcast premieres of music videos, interviews, video content and more. Previous MTV Push artists have included Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Khalid, Doja Cat, Brockhampton, H.E.R., Lil Tecca, Jack Harlow, Yungblud, Bazzi, Chloe x Halle, SZA, Jorja Smith, Lauv, among many others.
The War And Treaty’s New LP ‘Plus One’ Set For Valentines Day
/by Lorie HollabaughThe War And Treaty will release their fourth full-length album, Plus One, on Feb. 14 via Mercury Nashville.
On Plus One, husband and wife duo Michael and Tanya Trotter double down on the palpable sense of togetherness that has always fueled their music, offering up 18 life-affirming songs aimed at providing a shared experience of hope and healing and joy.
The project includes “Love Like Whiskey,” a portrait of a love strong enough to overcome any obstacle co-written by the Trotters and Miranda Lambert; “Called You By Your Name,” a breakneck-paced rallying cry influenced by the Black gospel tradition of shout music; “Drink From Me,” featuring guitarist Billy Strings; “Can I Get An Amen,” which they performed at the People’s Choice Country Awards and new track “Carried Away,” which is out now, among others.
Mainly produced by Michael and recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Plus One marks The War And Treaty’s follow-up to their Lover’s Game LP, which included standout track “Blank Page” which nabbed a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song. To create the new album, the duo dreamed up a singular sound touched with elements of gospel, bluegrass, country, soul, symphonic pop, folk-rock and more in collaboration with producers like Jonathan Singleton, John Shanks and Jesse Frasure.
The War And Treaty has been hot on the road this year, performing with Chris Stapleton and Zach Bryan on a variety of dates, as well as an opening slot with The Rolling Stones. They have also performed on NBC Macy’s Fourth of July Special, at the National Memorial Day Parade and recently performed at the 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In March, they are set to embark on the “Plus One Tour,” a 30+ city tour across the U.S.
Plus One Track Listing:
1. “Love Like Whiskey” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter, Jesse Frasure and Miranda Lambert)
2. “Skyscraper” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
3. “Can I Get An Amen” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter and Jonathan Singleton)
4. “Called You By Your Name” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
5. “Stealing A Kiss” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
6. “Teardrops In The Rain” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
7. “Leads Me Home” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
8. “Carried Away” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
9. “Drink From Me” ft. Billy Strings (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
10. “Reminisce” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
11. “Save Me” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
12. “Love Is On Fire” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter and Jonathan Singleton)
13. “I Can’t Let You Go” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
14. “Home” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
15. “Love Light” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
16. “Mr. Fun” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
17. “Tunnel Vision” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
18. “The Glorious Ones” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Love Somebody’ Tops MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen takes the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart again with his hit “Love Somebody.”
The track was written by Wallen alongside John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Elof Loelv and Ryan Vojtesak, and was produced by Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome
In the upcoming 2024 Billboard Music Awards, Wallen has received 15 finalist entries in 13 categories, including five for “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone as well as a nod for Top Streaming Songs Artist. The awards will stream on Dec. 12 across Fox, Paramount+ and Amazon’s Fire TV channels.
“Love Somebody” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
From Memphis To Music City: Superproducer Tay Keith Invests In Nashville [Interview]
/by LB CantrellTay Keith
In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, few producers have captured the zeitgeist like Tay Keith. A Grammy-nominated, three-time BMI Producer of the Year, the Memphis-born producer has redefined success by bridging the gap between his hometown’s trailblazing rap scene and the global stage.
He began making music in middle school, teaching himself to rap, produce and DJ while eagerly collaborating with anyone willing to join in the creative process.
“My mom was married and her husband [at the time] was DJing. That’s what exposed me to it,” Tay tells MusicRow from his state-of-the-art new studio in Nashville. “I went to my dad’s house on the weekends, and my brothers and the neighbors would record music on the computer. I said, ‘One day I’m going to get me a mic and do this shit.’ And that’s what I did.”
The journey began right there in Memphis, with Tay producing tracks for local stars like Yo Gotti, Blac Youngsta and Moneybagg Yo. Songs such as “Gang Gang” and “Birthday” established his reputation locally, as did his work with another Memphis breakout BlocBoy JB, with Tay producing “Shoot” and “Rover” for the rapper. His meteoric rise, however, came in 2018 when global hitmaker Drake, whose father lived in Memphis for a time, joined BlocBoy JB on “Look Alive.”
“[BlocBoy JB] started paying me like $15 or $20 for beats and to record him when we were in high school, so he was the only one who was investing in it. When I got to college, we started putting in more work together and it worked.”
The track catapulted Tay to international fame and opened the door to more collaborations with Drake, culminating in the chart-topping single “SICKO MODE” with Travis Scott, which earned him his first Grammy nomination and an RIAA Diamond certification—all while Tay was finishing college at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), just an hour south of Nashville.
“It felt good, especially when people started asking for pictures,” Tay says when asked about his newfound notoriety on campus, and in the music world. “It didn’t phase me too much. I just kept doing what I do and staying grounded.”
Even as his career soared, he remained committed to personal growth, earning his degree in 2018. That milestone marked him as the first in his family to graduate college—a testament to his determination and ability to juggle academic and professional success during the same year his work topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. When he walked across the stage at the commencement ceremony, the face of his graduation cap listed the hits he had produced by the ripe age of 22.
Tay Keith and MusicRow’s LB Cantrell at his studio in Nashville
“I had to something to prove as a first generation grad,” he shares. “Both of my parents had a trade education: my momma got a GED and went to cosmetology school, and my daddy was a locksmith. They really helped me and pushed me to go to school and better myself in education. My graduation from college was special for them.”
Since then, Tay has continued to dominate the charts, crafting hits like Drake and J. Cole’s “First Person Shooter,”Drake’s “Rich Flex” and “For All the Dogs” and Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go.” From the U.K. rap scene to Jennifer Lopez’s latest album, his production prowess knows no bounds.
Notably, he has played a pivotal role in Sexyy Red’s rise to stardom, serving as her executive producer on EP In Sexyy We Trust, which spawned hits like “Get It Sexyy” and “U My Everything,” as well as her smash “Pound Town.” Under Tay’s guidance, Sexyy Red has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning multiple Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award nominations in 2024.
In addition to his chart-topping hits, Tay is reshaping Nashville’s music landscape through his Drumatized studio and record label—the second Black-owned studio in the city. With monthly music camps that merge hip-hop and country music, Drumatized fosters collaboration and innovation. These camps, including a recent series in partnership with Apple Music, SMACK and Prescription Songs, have helped break new ground in cross-genre creativity.
Drumatized and Prescription Songs camp
“I work all over, but Nashville is the headquarters. This is what we’re building,” Tay says. “We’re trying to bring our world here, and it’s been a challenge, but we’ve been staying consistent and networking.
“Beyond me, it’s also my team. My producers, my manager, the A&R people and assistants—everybody is helping make this shit work,” he adds of Drumatized’s Nashville presence. “They’re hungry. I represent them, but they also represent me and my brand. I appreciate my team for going so hard. I love what I’m creating as far as my team and the impact we’re making here.”
His work extends beyond production. Tay’s influence as an honorary professor at MSTU and his dedication to mentoring young talent position him as a leader shaping the next generation of music creators. Through initiatives like the Drumatized camps and his hands-on approach with emerging artists, he continues to expand his legacy.
Drumatized and SMACK camp
As for his next personal goal, Tay wants a plaque on the wall for his first country No. 1.
“I’ve been working with a lot of different country artists. Reyna Roberts and I have a lot of songs together. I’ve worked with Kane Brown. Ernest was one of the first people in Nashville to embrace me as a Black hip-hop producer, and Bailey Zimmerman has been good friend to me.”
As his influence grows, so does Tay’s commitment to pushing boundaries. From producing tracks that define eras to fostering diversity and inclusion in Nashville’s music industry, he is more than a producer—he’s a visionary charting a course for the future of music.
Alison Krauss & Union Station To Headline Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughAlison Krauss & Union Station. Photo: Randee St Nicholas
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas are set to headline the Earl Scruggs Music Festival’s fourth annual bluegrass gathering on Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 29-31).
The festival is returning to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, and tickets are on sale now, with on-site lodging options available at EarlScruggsMusicFest.com.
The first to be announced for next year’s Earl Scruggs Music Festival lineup, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring dobro legend Douglas will also embark on the group’s first tour together in a decade in 2025 with a 73-stop voyage across the U.S. and Canada. They are also set to release new music next year.
Now entering its fourth year, Earl Scruggs Music Festival was established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby, North Carolina.
NSAI To Launch New Program At Nashville State Community College In February
/by Liza AndersonThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) will launch a six-week course on the business side of songwriting and music industry careers at Nashville State Community College’s White Bridge campus on Feb. 11. Supported by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the program will also be available online.
“NSAI is excited to partner with Nashville State on this six-week program,” shares Bart Herbison, NSAI Executive Director. “We applaud TBR Chancellor Flora Tydings, Nashville State President Shanna Jackson and their teams for exploring innovative and affordable ways to bring knowledge about songwriting and associated music industry careers to students. Some of the very top industry professionals will be part of this journey only adding to its potential.”
Taking place from 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. each week, the sessions will consist of: “Professional Songwriting 101 — An Overview,” featuring singer-songwriter and social media personality Kaylee Rose; “Songwriting — The Craft,” featuring Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Tom Douglas; “Songwriter and Artist Income Streams,” featuring KP Entertainment Founder/Manager Kerri Edwards; “Publishing and Record Deals,” featuring Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar and Sony Music Nashville Vice President, A&R Margaret Tomlin; “Songwriter Support Jobs;” and “A Day in the Life,” featuring two special guests.
“This innovative partnership, developed through TBR’s Center for Workforce Development, brings together Nashville State and the Nashville Songwriters Association International in a way that exemplifies what makes Tennessee’s workforce development special—the ability to harness our state’s unique cultural strengths and turn them into career opportunities,” says Tydings. “By bringing together industry leaders to teach the next generation, we’re not just offering a course—we’re opening doors to careers in one of Tennessee’s most iconic industries. This is workforce development at its most innovative and exciting!”
The course has a nominal fee of $145 for NSAI members and $245 for non-members (which includes a year-long NSAI membership). Space is limited. For more information regarding registration, click here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Runaway June Scores Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannRunaway June. Photo: Ford Fairchild
It’s a ballad kind of day in this week’s stack of country tunes.
To one degree or another, Angel White, Ashley McBryde, The Castellows, Karley Scott Collins and Kameron Marlowe are all taking things slow. However, we do have a new Southern rock band in the mix, Hippies & Cowboys.
But the uptempo tune to beat is by that trio of charmers, Runaway June, who run away with the Disc of the Day award with their sprightly delivery of “He Ain’t My Problem.”
I’m also happy to report that we have some solid honky-tonk traditionalists on hand—Cody Jinks, Don Louis and our DISCovery Award winner, Braxton Keith. More power to ‘em.
THE CASTELLOWS / “Alabama Stone”
Writers: Caroline Watkins/Eleanor Balkcom/Josh Dorr/Lily Balkcom/Powell Balkcom; Producer: Brad Cook; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– This stately sounding tune describes the life of a rural Alabama lady whose dreams never came true. She lives and dies in sorrow. The trio’s wistful vocals waft through a languid acoustic soundscape in this haunting outing.
KAMERON MARLOWE / “Burning House”
Writers: Camaron Ochs (Cam)/Jeff Bhasker/Tyler Johnson; Producer: Ben West; Label: Columbia Nashville
– Marlowe’s soulful, piercing, penetrating delivery is placed in a stark, spare arrangement of sighing electronics and plucked guitar strings. The result is utterly riveting. The song was originally by Cam, an artist who has not been given the accolades she deserves.
HIPPIES & COWBOYS / “Fork In The Road”
Writers: Aaron Lee Sparling/Jonathan Danis/Kevin Corbo/Scott Metko/Victor Arruda; Producer: Casey Wasner; Label: Long Run
– This Nashville band revives Southern rock splendidly, thanks to a shrieking, bluesy lead vocal and some Skynyrd-worthy electric guitar. Classic sounding.
ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Chris Harris/Patrick Savage; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This woman could sing the phone book and I’d listen. Her latest single is a nostalgic ballad that yearns for the honesty, authenticity and values of days gone by. As always, she’s a model of steadfast earthiness.
DON LOUIS / “Neon You”
Writers: Chad Sellers/Dalton Little/Easton Hamlin; Producers: Chad Sellers, Smith Curry; Label: Money Myers Entertainment
– He’s stepping out with his honey on a Friday-night excursion into Strait territory. Which is to say, this man sings a solid country song like nobody’s business. Every single he has released this year has been superb. The album is called Liquor Talkin.’ If you love real country music, play him.
GRAHAM BARHAM / “Something To Chase”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Dallas Wilson/Graham Barham/Sam Martinez; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Processed vocal. Electronic hip-hop track. Pass.
ANGEL WHITE / “Crossroads”
Writers: Angel White/Dave Thomas Junior/Lauren Whissell; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Label: Wyatt Road Records
– This Texas rancher mixes country, soul and pop in this pleading power ballad. His life is at a standstill as he begs for some direction. The stomping backbeat gives it an anthem-like quality. The innovative production is as ear-catching as his startling vocal. Highly engaging.
CODY JINKS / “If You’ve Got The Money I’ve Got The Time”
Writers: Jim Beck/Lefty Frizzell; Producer: Drew Harakal, Joshua Thompson; Label: CJ
– This longtime Texas favorite has issued 10 albums and had 3.5 billion (with a “B”) streams of his roadhouse sounds. The honky-tonker is issuing a tribute album to the ultimate honky-tonk superstar, Lefty Frizzell. It kicks off with Cody’s revival of the Hall of Famer’s signature hit of 1950. Performances like this are why this guy has been named MusicRow’s Independent Artist of the Year, twice.
RUNAWAY JUNE / “He Ain’t My Problem”
Writers: Jennifer Wayne/Natalie Stovall/Stevie Woodward; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Feisty and fun, fun, fun. The saucy kiss-off song is packed with clever asides, cool instrumental licks, sexy lines, punchy-uptempo rhythms and delicious three-part harmony. I love this record, and their songwriting is peerless.
CHASE MATTHEW / “Dancing In The Rain”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham; Producers: Austin Shawn, Gabe Foust; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Which way is this relationship heading? Whatever happens, he’s hot for her in this jaunty midtempo ditty. Tastefully produced and sung with easy-going sincerity.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Quit You”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Producers: Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– She sings with gripping intensity. You’ll hear every aching breath and throaty rasp in this acoustic production. The ballad is about being trapped in a troublesome romance with no end in sight. This one’s a keeper.
BRAXTON KEITH / “Chase You Down”
Writers: Braxton Keith/Deric Ruttan; Producers: Alex Torrez, David Dorn; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This Texan is one terrific country singer. His two-stepper is a honky-tonk delight as he yearns for the gal who left him. His vocal dips, the rolling groove and a crisp production are all utterly irresistible. Also check out his power ballad “Fall This Way” on his new Blue EP, which drops tomorrow. Sign me up for the fan club.
BREAKING: Tommy Moore To Exit ACM
/by LB CantrellTommy Moore
Academy of Country Music Chief of Staff/VP, Artist & Industry Relations Tommy Moore plans to leave the organization on Dec. 13 for a new opportunity. He has been with ACM since 2011.
Moore will join Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) as Director of Entertainment Engagement in January. In his new role, he will help raise awareness and support for VUMC’s mission by deepening relationships within the entertainment and sports industries.
“The past 13 years at the Academy and the accomplishments we have achieved as a team are truly invaluable to me, both professionally and personally,” Moore shares. “After careful consideration, I have decided to move on from this chapter. I am thrilled to join the team at VUMC to make a significant impact on so many lives alongside a world-renown institution, through an entertainment lens.”
Amy Grant To Return To The Ryman For ‘Mother’s Day At The Mother Church’ Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughAmy Grant
Amy Grant is celebrating Mother’s Day in 2025 with two “Mother’s Day at the Mother Church” performances at the Ryman Auditorium on May 9-10.
The special shows, perfectly timed for Mother’s Day weekend, celebrate Grant’s deep connection to the Ryman, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” She has a long and cherished history with the Ryman as Grant and husband Vince Gill have made their annual Christmas at the Ryman residency a beloved Nashville tradition, performing the holiday shows over 100 times at the historic venue. Tickets for both Mother’s Day shows are on sale now at ryman.com.
“Performing at the Ryman is always a homecoming for me,” says Grant. “Its history, intimacy, and magic make it the perfect place to share music and memories, especially for Mother’s Day.”
In 2024, Grant played 33 shows in the spring, and released the Songs From The Loft album, (originally released in 1993), for the first time digitally. This fall, she released an Expanded Anniversary Edition of her classic album, House Of Love with never before heard tracks and remixes, and recently finished a headlining tour featuring many songs from the album. Grant will wrap the year with the annual “Christmas At The Ryman” residency with Gill featuring songs from their recent When I Think Of Christmas album. She is also writing songs for her next album, set for release in 2025.
Boots In The Park Festival To Make Las Vegas Debut
/by Liza AndersonBoots In The Park, the traveling festival produced by Activated Events, will make its Las Vegas debut April 11–12 at The Event Center at Desert Breeze.
The milestone event will feature performances by headliners Old Dominion and Jordan Davis as well as Tyler Hubbard, Nate Smith, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Chase Matthew, Owen Riegling, Presley Tennant, Joe Peters and Luwiss Lux, among others. The festival will also include line dancing, food from local vendors, various beverages and art installations.
“We are incredibly excited to launch one of our premier festival brands, Boots In The Park, in Las Vegas, bringing together the best of country music, incredible local food vendors and unique art installations, for an unforgettable weekend,” shares Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “With powerhouse headliners like Old Dominion and Jordan Davis, alongside a stellar supporting lineup, we’re delivering a one-of-a-kind festival that captures the vibrant energy of Las Vegas and the heart of country music fans.”
Presale tickets will available starting Thursday, Dec. 12 at 12 p.m. CT. Public sales will follow on Friday, Dec. 13 at the same time. For more information, click here.