Pictured (L–R): Jody White, David Bellamy, Liz Rose, Dan Penn, Victoria Shaw and Al Anderson. Photo: Moments by Moser
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) celebrated six new members during its 54th Anniversary Gala last night (Nov. 6) at Music City Center.
Al Anderson and Liz Rose were honored in the Contemporary Songwriter category, while Dan Penn and Victoria Shaw were welcomed into the Veteran Songwriter category. David Bellamy was recognized in Veteran Songwriter/Artist category, and the late Tony Joe White was inducted into the Legacy category, designed specifically to honor NaSHOF-worthy candidates who have passed away.
Tunes from their beloved catalogs blasted through the ballroom as each of them were introduced.
After a performance by The Wildcards and welcoming remarks from NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford and Board Chair Rich Hallworth, music historian and NaSHOF Board member Robert K. Oermann kicked off the presentations with a few words about White. Americana artist Nikki Lane united with Kenny Vaughan to perform White’s rock classic “Polk Salad Annie,” before his son, Jody, spoke on his behalf and shared stories of his father performing at his fraternity house at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, among other memories. He also informed attendees that the great songsmith had left behind a storage unit full of never-before-seen artifacts that he is now working on sharing with the public.
“When thinking about this I had to ask myself ‘What was it that made Tony Joe a great songwriter worthy of this Hall of Fame?'” said Jody. He went on to share the five traits that he felt made his dad worthy, using his favorite of the honorees’s lyrics as examples for each of them. The first was White’s “ability to confuse the listener or make them think.” The second was “his ability to show his true emotions,” followed by the way he infused humor into his work and made those around him feel cool, with the way “he wanted to stand for something” marking the final quality.
Next, NaSHOF Hall of Fame member Hillary Lindsey took the stage to honor Rose, referring to her as “a fire that can’t be put out,” alongside Little Big Town, who performed their Rose-penned hit “Girl Crush.” The inductee then made her way to the mic to emotionally express her gratitude.
“I still believe that the most important thing about this job and this love is that you never know everything,” she stated. “I still try to learn something in every write and every room, and I will always let the heart of the song lead the way. I’ll never give up on that.”
NaSHOF Hall of Fame member Sharon Vaughn was on hand to recognize Al Anderson and introduce fellow Hall of Fame member Vince Gill along with Glenn Worf and Carolyn Dawn Johnson, who performing a favorite album cut, “Some Things Never Get Old,” at the inductee’s request. Grammy-winning songstress Tia Sillers then accompanied Anderson onstage to accept the honor. Sillers summarized Anderson’s storied career and acknowledged his collaborators on his behalf, before handing him the mic.
“I’m blessed to be here, and I can’t tell you how fun it was writing with all of these people,” he shared. “It’s a beautiful thing to write songs. You just can’t beat it. It’s the shit.”
Pictured (L–R): NaSHOF’s Rich Hallworth, Jody White, David Bellamy, Liz Rose, Dan Penn, Victoria Shaw, Al Anderson and NaSHOF’s Mark Ford. Photo: Moments by Moser
A touching tribute was then made to the nine members who have passed since last year’s event: Wayland Holyfield, Mark James, Will Jennings, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Dave Loggins, Hugh Prestwood, Bill Rice and Billy Edd Wheeler. Their photos as well as the titles of their famous tracks flashed across the stage as fellow Hall of Fame members Gary Burr and Mike Reid performed a renedition of Kenny Chesney‘s “Wherever You Are Tonight” in their honor.
After a brief intermission, NaSHOF Hall of Fame member Gretchen Peters came to the front to talk about Penn and welcome Wendy Moten and Kevin McKendree, who performed his “The Dark End Of The Street,” which was originally popularized by R&B and soul singer James Carr.
“When you co-write with somebody, you have a good time and it ends up in a song,” Penn said as he stepped behind the podium. “Through the years, I’ve been blessed to have written with great writers—many of whom have been inducted [into the NaSHOF]. It was the community of writers, musicians and engineers in Nashville that made it possible for me to continue writing and recording after I moved here from Memphis. It’s been an incredible life.”
NaSHOF Hall of Fame member Larry Gatlin then praised Bellamy and introduced fellow member John Anderson, who treated the crowd to the Bellamy Brothers‘ “Redneck Girl” before the inductee gave his thanks, acknowledged his wife’s birthday and announced a forthcoming Bellamy Brothers world tour.
“This is a great honor. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is pretty much a dream come true for me,” Bellamy expressed. “Songwriting has always been my favorite part of the music business.”
Burr returned to the stage to salute Shaw alongside Garth Brooks, who performed of their co-written number “The River” as well as “She’s Every Woman” and “A Friend To Me.” The night’s final honoree was then given the floor, where she acknowledged her fellow inductees, specifically Rose, noting that there are “so many amazing women” who will one day be inducted as well. Shaw moved on to thank everyone who has been a part of her journey, including her newest collaborator, Jeannie Seely.
“I love writing with new artists and I love writing with classic artists, because I learn from all of you,” she stated. “I’m so appreciative, humbled and filled with so much gratitude to be here—it’s mind-blowing.”
Matt Willis Signs With Edgehill Music Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Josh Joseph, Julia Keefe, Matt Willis and Tara Joseph. Photo: Courtesy of Katie Larson
Songwriter Matt Willis has signed a global publishing deal with Edgehill Music Publishing.
Since moving to Nashville 12 years ago, the Ohio native has garnered notable cuts, including “Broken Neon Hearts” by Ronnie Dunn, “Nothin’ Lasts Forever” by Elvie Shane featuring Tenille Townes, “Backseat Driver” by Robert Counts and more.
“Between Matt’s natural musicality and raw, genuine lyricism, he is the definition of a true songcrafter,” says Julia Keefe, Head of A&R, Edgehill Music Publishing.”I’m so excited to have the privilege to work with him again and to have him a part of the Edgehill family!”
CRS Revises New Faces Eligibility & Selection Criteria For 2026 Show
/by Madison HahnenThe Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB)/Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Board of Directors has made two revisions to the eligibility and selection criteria for its annual New Faces of Country Show.
The first amendment now recognizes the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart as a qualifying measure for eligibility, now joining the Mediabase Country chart. This marks the first time digital sales and streaming data will be a determining factor.
Additionally, the second update allocates record labels and artist representatives with the authority to determine artist eligibility and manage the submission process. Representatives will now confirm that artists meet the minimum criteria, submit their names for ballot inclusion and verify artist availability and willingness to perform if selected. This change aims to provide an increased level of industry involvement and accountability, assuring the artists selected reflect both the current and future landscape of country music.
“The revised New Faces Show chart criteria more broadly reflects how our music is being exposed and consumed in 2024, and how its performance is measured,” says RJ Curtis, CRB Executive Director. “While radio airplay continues to be the critically important calculation for artist success, digital sales and streaming data are also important, accurate factors in identifying the rising New Faces and voices in country music.”
This new criteria is in effect for the Nov. 1, 2024–Oct. 27, 2025 qualification period, first impacting the New Faces lineup for CRS 2026.
The ballot will consist of all qualifying artists submitted by their representatives, listed in alphabetical order. Ballots will be reported to and approved by the CRB Executive Committee before final selections are made.
For more information, click here.
Blackberry Smoke Gets Ready To ‘Rattle, Rumble And Roll’ On 2025 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughBlackberry Smoke. Photo: Andy Sapp
Blackberry Smoke will embark on their “Rattle, Ramble And Roll Tour” in 2025.
The tour will kick off on Jan. 30 at Morristown’s Mayo Performing Arts Center, and visit Worcester’s Palladium, New Orleans’ The Fillmore, Austin’s ACL Live at the Moody Theater, Houston’s 713 Music Hall, Maryville’s The Shed and Dallas’ Majestic Theatre, among others.
Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
In addition to their work as musicians, the band has formed the Brit Turner Family Fund, a nonprofit supporting several national foundations committed to curing children’s cancer. They have raised over a million dollars to date for children’s cancer research. Most recently, Blackberry Smoke raised more than $26,000 with their hometown show at Atlanta’s Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park earlier this summer, which celebrated the life and legacy of Turner, the band’s late drummer.
Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inducts Six New Members At 54th Anniversary Gala
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Jody White, David Bellamy, Liz Rose, Dan Penn, Victoria Shaw and Al Anderson. Photo: Moments by Moser
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) celebrated six new members during its 54th Anniversary Gala last night (Nov. 6) at Music City Center.
Al Anderson and Liz Rose were honored in the Contemporary Songwriter category, while Dan Penn and Victoria Shaw were welcomed into the Veteran Songwriter category. David Bellamy was recognized in Veteran Songwriter/Artist category, and the late Tony Joe White was inducted into the Legacy category, designed specifically to honor NaSHOF-worthy candidates who have passed away.
Tunes from their beloved catalogs blasted through the ballroom as each of them were introduced.
After a performance by The Wildcards and welcoming remarks from NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford and Board Chair Rich Hallworth, music historian and NaSHOF Board member Robert K. Oermann kicked off the presentations with a few words about White. Americana artist Nikki Lane united with Kenny Vaughan to perform White’s rock classic “Polk Salad Annie,” before his son, Jody, spoke on his behalf and shared stories of his father performing at his fraternity house at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, among other memories. He also informed attendees that the great songsmith had left behind a storage unit full of never-before-seen artifacts that he is now working on sharing with the public.
“When thinking about this I had to ask myself ‘What was it that made Tony Joe a great songwriter worthy of this Hall of Fame?'” said Jody. He went on to share the five traits that he felt made his dad worthy, using his favorite of the honorees’s lyrics as examples for each of them. The first was White’s “ability to confuse the listener or make them think.” The second was “his ability to show his true emotions,” followed by the way he infused humor into his work and made those around him feel cool, with the way “he wanted to stand for something” marking the final quality.
Next, NaSHOF Hall of Fame member Hillary Lindsey took the stage to honor Rose, referring to her as “a fire that can’t be put out,” alongside Little Big Town, who performed their Rose-penned hit “Girl Crush.” The inductee then made her way to the mic to emotionally express her gratitude.
“I still believe that the most important thing about this job and this love is that you never know everything,” she stated. “I still try to learn something in every write and every room, and I will always let the heart of the song lead the way. I’ll never give up on that.”
NaSHOF Hall of Fame member Sharon Vaughn was on hand to recognize Al Anderson and introduce fellow Hall of Fame member Vince Gill along with Glenn Worf and Carolyn Dawn Johnson, who performing a favorite album cut, “Some Things Never Get Old,” at the inductee’s request. Grammy-winning songstress Tia Sillers then accompanied Anderson onstage to accept the honor. Sillers summarized Anderson’s storied career and acknowledged his collaborators on his behalf, before handing him the mic.
“I’m blessed to be here, and I can’t tell you how fun it was writing with all of these people,” he shared. “It’s a beautiful thing to write songs. You just can’t beat it. It’s the shit.”
Pictured (L–R): NaSHOF’s Rich Hallworth, Jody White, David Bellamy, Liz Rose, Dan Penn, Victoria Shaw, Al Anderson and NaSHOF’s Mark Ford. Photo: Moments by Moser
A touching tribute was then made to the nine members who have passed since last year’s event: Wayland Holyfield, Mark James, Will Jennings, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Dave Loggins, Hugh Prestwood, Bill Rice and Billy Edd Wheeler. Their photos as well as the titles of their famous tracks flashed across the stage as fellow Hall of Fame members Gary Burr and Mike Reid performed a renedition of Kenny Chesney‘s “Wherever You Are Tonight” in their honor.
After a brief intermission, NaSHOF Hall of Fame member Gretchen Peters came to the front to talk about Penn and welcome Wendy Moten and Kevin McKendree, who performed his “The Dark End Of The Street,” which was originally popularized by R&B and soul singer James Carr.
“When you co-write with somebody, you have a good time and it ends up in a song,” Penn said as he stepped behind the podium. “Through the years, I’ve been blessed to have written with great writers—many of whom have been inducted [into the NaSHOF]. It was the community of writers, musicians and engineers in Nashville that made it possible for me to continue writing and recording after I moved here from Memphis. It’s been an incredible life.”
NaSHOF Hall of Fame member Larry Gatlin then praised Bellamy and introduced fellow member John Anderson, who treated the crowd to the Bellamy Brothers‘ “Redneck Girl” before the inductee gave his thanks, acknowledged his wife’s birthday and announced a forthcoming Bellamy Brothers world tour.
“This is a great honor. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is pretty much a dream come true for me,” Bellamy expressed. “Songwriting has always been my favorite part of the music business.”
Burr returned to the stage to salute Shaw alongside Garth Brooks, who performed of their co-written number “The River” as well as “She’s Every Woman” and “A Friend To Me.” The night’s final honoree was then given the floor, where she acknowledged her fellow inductees, specifically Rose, noting that there are “so many amazing women” who will one day be inducted as well. Shaw moved on to thank everyone who has been a part of her journey, including her newest collaborator, Jeannie Seely.
“I love writing with new artists and I love writing with classic artists, because I learn from all of you,” she stated. “I’m so appreciative, humbled and filled with so much gratitude to be here—it’s mind-blowing.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jelly Roll Gives ‘Stunning Vocal Performance’
/by Robert K OermannJelly Roll. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
With the fresh fall season comes a fresh crop of country newcomers to the DISClaimer column.
Making their debuts today are John Morgan, Pitney Meyer, Chappell Roan, Colt Graves, Shelley Rena and this week’s DISCovery Award winner Maoli.
Among the column regulars, Chris Janson has the song and Karley Scott Collins has the vocal performance. But the Disc of the Day belongs to Jelly Roll. This makes two wins in a two for the big guy.
VINCENT MASON / “Speak Of The Devil”
Writers: Aaron Armstrong/Sutton Smith/Vincent Mason; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: MCA Nashville/Music Soup/Interscope Records
– The hussy in the red dress turns out to be a one-night stand instead of true love, which breaks the country boy’s heart. The jaunty, bouncy track backs a bopping vocal performance that’s earnest and charming.
SAM HUNT / “Liberty”
Writers: Chris LaCorte/Josh Osborne/Sam Hunt/Shane McAnally/Zach Crowell; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Chris LaCorte, Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell; Label: MCA Nashville
– Tuneless babbling set to a dull, plodding, somnambulant beat.
KAYLEY GREEN / “Catching Up”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski/Kayley Green; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The heartbreaker gets his comeuppance when she walks out. It’s his turn to be miserable, now. Sung with conviction over a supportive mid tempo track.
PITNEY MEYER / “Trail Of Tears”
Writers: John Meyer/Mo Pitney; Producers: Daniel Kohavi, Eric Quinlan, John Meyer, Mo Pitney; Label: Curb Records
– Mo Pitney and John Meyer got together at jam sessions during bluegrass conventions. This song came about when both artists discovered they were simultaneously having the same thoughts although miles apart. It is a bluegrass toe-tapper propelled by banjo licks and fiddle flourishes. The lyric is about ‘the thanksgiving table of redemption’ and the quest for reconciliation between “the pioneers” and the indigenous people they wronged.
JELLY ROLL / “Liar”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Jason DeFord/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: BBR Music Group
– This man is going from strength to strength. This pulse-quickening country-rocker is brilliantly produced with pounding rhythm, stuttering guitar and inspirational choir. But the star attraction here is a stunning vocal performance, full of fire, fury and passion. He has had six No. 1 records in succession, and I see no reason whatsoever that this shouldn’t be number seven.
COLT GRAVES / “Burning House”
Writers: Colt Graves/Dan Pellarin/Jake Parshall/Nathan Keeterle; Producer: Jake Parshall; Label: Mosley Music LLC
– This is rather scary and unsettling. It seems to be about heading for death because of the grip of alcohol. Electric guitars stir a boiling pot of sound while he hollers urgently.
SHELLEY RENA & DOLLY PARTON / “Not Bad”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producers: Dolly Parton, Richie Owens; Label: Owepar Music
– This rousing country rocker spotlights Parton’s alto-voiced cousin with the superstar adding her customary charismatic vocal harmony. The screaming-electronic production is somewhat cluttered sounding, but there’s admirable energy here. The track is drawn from the new collection Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA.
MAOLI & BRETT YOUNG / “Broke Heart Break”
Writers: Brett Young/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dann Huff, David Lyndon Huff, Jesse Frasure; Label: Maoli Music
– Delightful listening. Maoli is a Hawaiian country singer who has acquired a following on the West Coast and the Pacific Rim by covering Young’s songs. Young reached out to him, traveled to Maui and presto a collaboration was born. Maoli’s heartfelt singing rides atop a bubbling, cheerful track that tickles the ears. Press “repeat” on this one.
CHAPPELL ROAN / “The Giver (She Gets The Job Done)”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: Island Records
– Current pop-music “it girl” Roan introduced this previously unreleased number on Saturday Night Live last weekend. Surprise: It’s a county tune, punctuated by scampering fiddle notes and a gal-power chorus. Double surprise: It’s a rollicking, catchy, lesbian anthem.
CHRIS JANSON / “Cheap”
Writers: Brian White/Chris Janson/Keesy Timmer/Mitch Oglesby/Will Nance; Producers: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes, Mitch Oglesby; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– ‘When you’re down to your last heart beat/Time makes money look cheap.’ A breezy, shuffling track backs a wonderfully written lyric about making more of your life than just amassing cash. Janson’s delivery is spot on. This absolutely deserves to be a hit.
JOHN MORGAN & JASON ALDEAN / “Friends Like That”
Writers: Brent Anderson/John Morgan/Lydia Vaughan/Will Bundy; Producers: Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Upbeat and jaunty. She’s left him, but he doesn’t care because he has his buddies around him, whiskey to drink and a warm fireplace. This is Morgan’s record all the way. Aldean adds a little shadowy vocal coloring.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Religion And Politics”
Writers: Alex Kline/Joybeth Taylor/Karley Scott Collins; Producers: Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Cool song, in the same vein as Sammy Kershaw’s 1997 hit “Politics Religion and Her.” Super, super cool vocalist, with an ear-grabbing, rich, husky alto and a catch in her throat that makes you hang on every line. I remain a huge fan of this lady.
Wynn Williams Signs With CAA
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L–R): Good Company Entertainment-Texas’s Keith Gale, Good Company Entertainment’s Parker Fowler, Good Company Entertainment-Texas’s Joe Carter, Wynn Williams, CAA’s Darin Murphy, Andrew Dominijanni and Brian Waymire
Indie-country artist Wynn Williams has signed with CAA for exclusive booking representation.
“Working with the CAA team is a dream come true,” shares Williams. “Our partnership will put me in front of fans old and new across the U.S. and the globe. We’re working on new music to roll out in a 2025 waterfall series leading to a new album; the opportunity will expand my reach to share the new music with a broader audience of country music fans. I’m excited to see what the future holds and appreciate the folks at CAA, and my management team at Good Company Entertainment, for believing in me.”
Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, he graduated from Texas A&M as a collegiate wrestler, before beginning his music career in 2016. Through his three album releases, Words Fly, Wynn Williams and Your Love, Williams has amassed over 12 million global streams and averages 300,000 monthly listeners across all streaming platforms. His latest single, “A Woman Can Do That To A Man,” was released last month and further solidified his Texas sound.
Additionally, the singer has showcased his sound on the road, opening for Randall King, Aaron Watson, Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, Clay Walker, Tracy Lawrence and more. Throughout 2024, Williams trekked across the country for a multitude of shows, and was recently overseas for Festival International de Country Music de Santa Susanna in Spain.
Williams is managed by Good Company Entertainment-Texas.
Anthem Entertainment & Wax Records Unveil Partnership
/by John Nix ArledgePhoto: Alyssa Reid
Independent music company Anthem Entertainment and Canadian independent label Wax Records have unveiled a creative partnership aimed at revolutionizing the artist development process. The collaboration, formed in response to today’s evolving music landscape, will work to streamline the music-making process by providing songwriters and producers with resources such as an in-house studio, dedicated writing rooms, international song camps and more.
Wax Records brings over 20 years of industry experience with partners such as Virgin Music, Universal Music, Sony ATV and a roster consisting of artists like Alyssa Reid, Shawn Desman and Virginia to Vegas. Anthem Entertainment offers the talents of hit songwriters such as Chantal Kreviazuk and Timbaland as well as a large catalog of songs, creative teams and studio spaces. By enhancing the relationship between publishing and creative, they hope to offer artists a global experience with both publishing opportunities and label services.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the Wax team—and their exceptional roster of artists—into the Anthem family,” states Jason Klein, Anthem Entertainment CEO. “Jamie and Ron have built an extraordinary label, with a creative and agile approach to artist discovery, development and marketing that transcends conventional limitations. This partnership will allow Wax to elevate their outstanding work with additional resources and infrastructure, and introduce an exciting new creative pipeline for Anthem’s songwriters. The possibilities for global success with this partnership are limitless.”
“The global music marketplace is an ever-changing adventure. Through countless hours of dedication and hard work, we strive to cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial culture that supports and provides globalization opportunities for our community,” shares Jamie Appleby, Wax Records President and Head of A&R. “We are excited for the next evolution of Wax Records, and have tremendous admiration for Jason and the exceptional team at Anthem. This new venture will expand our on-going commitment to our incredible artists, venture partners and sub-label groups.”
Music Forward Foundation & Gibson Gives Announce 2024 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award Recipients
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Music Forward Foundation has partnered with Gibson Gives to support the annual grant program, the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards, and announce this year’s winners.
The goal of the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards is to help break down the barriers of access in the music industry and promote a more inclusive music industry overall. The 10 2024 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award recipients include Alessio Thorpe (Crimson Moon), Asália, Indigo Ansin (Chrysalis), Mel Fine, Molly Grace, Nai’a, Poet22, Sari Jordan, Shelby Ruger and Zellie.
Each recipient will receive a three-thousand-dollar grant, a thousand dollars in Gibson retail for an instrument, performance opportunities at the Gibson Garage Nashville and other venues, a career mentoring session with singer-songwriter and producer Butch Walker, and quarterly mentorship with the Gibson and Music Forward teams.
Gibson Gives will donate over $43,000 to the program this year, including $33,000 in cash grants and $10,000 in Gibson retail for an instrument. Music Forward develops and administers the grants from selection to distribution, and both teams develop and execute mentorship programs. The quarterly mentorship opportunities range from songwriting sessions with Gibson artists to exploring a variety of trending topics and skills, including Gibson and Live Nation leadership professionals sharing knowledge and insight, and learning from experts in the industry, from bands to boardrooms and everything in between.
“Gibson Gives is proud to partner with Music Forward to support the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards,” says Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives. “We believe in the power of individual voices and strive to break down barriers, promoting a more inclusive music industry. These awards support often-marginalized artists, nurturing their growth and helping them achieve their greatest artistic potential.”
“At Music Forward, we work towards inspiring young artists and providing resources to drive their careers forward while making the industry more inclusive for all voices,” adds Nurit Siegel Smith, Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation. “The LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards is a staple of our programs, and we are excited for our partnership with Gibson Gives to continue to empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ musicians.”
Program participants and grant recipients include Phoebe Bridgers, Trombone Shorty and Andrae Alexander.
Country Bay Music Festival Adds New Stage For Rising Artists
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Willie Jones, Emily Ann Roberts, RVSHVD and Orlando Mendez
This year’s Country Bay Music Festival, taking place this weekend (Nov. 9–10) at the Miami Marine Stadium, will feature a brand-new second stage showcasing country’s up-and-comers.
The festival will also embrace a diverse roster of genre-bending acts like Willie Jones and RVSHVD and welcome over 24 performers for its second annual event.
The Demesmin & Dover Rodeo Roundup Stage will debut with performances by both Jones and RVSHVD as well as Eddie and The Getaway, Emily Ann Roberts, Jay Webb, MC4D, Orlando Mendez, Waylon Wyatt, Ryan Charles, Shaylen and DJ Illmanik. While listening to the live music, attendees can take line dancing lessons provided by Miami’s PBR Buckle Bunnies.
As previously announced, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band will headline the event, which will also include performances by Diplo presents Thomas Wesley, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Redferrin, Ryan Montgomery, Chase Matthew, Niko Moon and Gabby Barrett, who will take the Ford Main Stage.
Limited tickets are available. For more information, click here.
First Round Of Performers Revealed For 58th Annual CMA Awards
/by Liza AndersonThe first round of performers have been revealed for the 58th annual CMA Awards.
Returning as host for a fourth straight year, two-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan is set to perform his 31st No. 1 hit, “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.” First-time CMA Awards host, reigning Entertainer of the Year and four-time nominee this year, Lainey Wilson will also take the stage to sing her current single, “4x4xU,” and Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Ashley McBryde will be on hand to deliver a special performance. Among the lineup are first-time nominees Post Malone, who will treat the crowd to “Yours,” a song inspired by his daughter, and Shaboozey, who is set to perform a medley of his multi-Platinum smash “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and new single “Highway.” Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year and five-time nominee Chris Stapleton will also grace the stage for “What Am I Gonna Do.”
Additionally, three-time CMA Award winner Dierks Bentley will be joined by Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes for a rendition of Tom Petty’s “American Girl.” Post Malone and Stapleton will also unite to perform “California Sober,” and two-time CMA Award winner Thomas Rhett will welcome Teddy Swims to the CMA Awards stage, as a mash-up of their hits “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman” and “Lose Control” will mark their first performance together.
The awards ceremony will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 7 p.m.–10 p.m. CT on ABC, and will be available next day on Hulu.