The Academy of Country Music has selected its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term.
Previously-announced officer roles for the Academy of Country Music for the 2024-2025 term are Chair Randy Bernard, Vice-Chair Cris Lacy, Vice-President Jeff Krones, Treasurer Carmen Romano, Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb, Parliamentarian Duane Clark and Secretary Tommy Moore.
This year, 11 of the 13 qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by the Chair, Vice-Chair and Vice-President. Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.
Newly-elected members of the Board of Directors include Adam Weiser, Becky Gardenhire, BJ Hill, Cameo Carlson, Chandra Laplume, Cyndi Forman, Deana Ivey, George Couri, Jon Loba, Kristie Sloan, Lee Thomas Miller, Marcel Pariseau, Margaret Hart, Meredith Jones, Scott Scovill, Tim Roberts and Ward Guenther. Martha Earls and Scot Calonge have been elected to a one-year term to fill a previous vacancy.
Newly-appointed director-at-large members of the Board of Directors include Aaron Spalding, Andy Moats, Benson Curb, Candice Watkins, Chris Lisle, Cindy Mabe, Curt Motley, Emily Falvey, Howie Edelman, Jeremy Holley, Matt Cottingham, Rod Phillips, Sally Seitz, Shawn McSpadden, Storme Warren and Tim Foisset.
“As we enter into a milestone year with the 60th ACM Awards on the horizon on May 8, 2025, this will be a year of reflection on the impact the Academy has made on our industry, and a year to look forward on what the next sixty years will look like for the Academy and country music,” shares Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “With the guidance of these leaders in our industry and on our board, I have no doubt that the ACM will have one of the most exciting, impactful, and successful years to date, and with this dedicated group of individuals, the sky is the limit.”
The complete board is listed below.
Academy of Country Music Board of Directors 2024-2025:
OFFICERS:
Chair of the Board: Randy Bernard, RWB Management
Vice-Chair: Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
Vice-President: Jeff Krones, CAA
Treasurer: Carmen Romano, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms: Gayle Holcomb, WME
Parliamentarian: Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary: Tommy Moore, Academy of Country Music
AFFILIATED:
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Ward Guenther, Whiskey Jam
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Scott Scovill, Moo TV
ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER:
Gena Johnson
TJ Osborne
Carly Pearce
Derek Wells
DIGITAL MARKETING/ DISTRIBUTION:
Cameo Carlson, mTheory
Margaret Hart, YouTube
MANAGER:
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Martha Earls, Neon Coast
Kerri Edwards, kpentertainment
MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Marcel Pariseau, True Public Relations
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom PR
MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO:
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Shannan Hatch, SESAC
BJ Hill, Warner Chappel Music
RADIO:
Mike Moore, Cumulus Media
Tim Roberts, Audacy
RECORD COMPANY:
Jon Loba, BMG
Katie McCartney, Monument Records
Annie Ortmeier, Triple Tigers
Jennifer Way, Sony Music Nashville
SONGWRITER:
Lee Thomas Miller
TALENT AGENT:
Becky Gardenhire, WME
Meredith Jones, CAA
TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER:
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
VENUE:
Jason Kane, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
VISUAL CONTENT:
Chandra LaPlume, Sandbox Productions
DIRECTORS AT LARGE:
Jake Basden, Sandbox Entertainment
Breland
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Johnny Chiang, SiriusXM
Buffy Cooper, Morris Higham Management
Matt Cottingham, Lewis Brisbois
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Emily Falvey
Tim Foisset, Spotify
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Jeremy Holley, FlyteVu
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
Chris Lisle, CLLD, LLC
Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
Andy Moats, Pinnacle Bank
Mike Molinar, Big Machine Music
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment
Curt Motley, UTA
Chris Parr, MAVERICK
Rod Phillips, iHeart Media
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Mike Rittberg, Big Machine Label Group
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Randi Tolbert, QPrime
Storme Warren, The Big 615
Candice Watkins, Big Loud
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe
PAST CHAIRS:
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Duane Clark, FBMM
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS:
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Charlie Cook
Rod Essig, CAA
Mark Hartley
Darin Murphy, CAA
Ken Tucker, Wheelhouse Records
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
ASCAP Executive John Titta Passes After Cancer Battle
/by LB CantrellJohn Titta. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP
John Titta, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at ASCAP, has died following a two-year battle with cancer.
Titta has worked at the PRO since 2013, where he served in the executive role until his passing. At ASCAP, he led the entire membership team and was responsible for signing and working with all of the organization’s members, including the top names in music across genres and generations.
“All of us at ASCAP are heartbroken,” shared ASCAP President & Chairman, songwriter Paul Williams. “John Titta was one of a kind, and truly one of the most beloved music industry executives I have known, with deep ties to songwriters across genres and generations. John—you had a song in your heart always, and you will always be in our hearts. I miss you already.”
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews added, “John Titta’s warmth, his humor, his kindness, his love of family, and his passion for music were infectious. He was a north star for me personally, and for all of us at ASCAP. John was instrumental in the success of so many songwriters throughout his storied career, and he shared his love of music and songwriters so freely that we all felt the joy. All of us in the ASCAP family are devastated by his passing. Titta—we love you.”
Titta, a lifelong resident of Staten Island, started his career as a musician, songwriter and music teacher. He got into publishing with a job at Screen Gems/EMI Music as Professional Manager, signing such acts as Surface and The Smithereens. He eventually worked with legendary songwriters Carole King and Lou Reed, and had songs covered by Tina Turner, Grover Washington Jr., Alice Cooper, Joan Jett and Dave Edmunds.
Titta then moved to PolyGram Music Publishing, where he was named Vice President of A&R. There, he signed iconic artists like Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Pearl Jam, Brian McKnight, K.D. Lang, Billy Ray Cyrus and songwriter Jimmy Webb.
During this time, he was also responsible for individual hit songs including “Save The Best For Last” by Vanessa Williams and “The Folks That Live On The Hill” by Tony Bennett, and he oversaw A&R work on the compilation album Two Rooms, A Tribute To Elton John and Bernie Taupin and multiple movie soundtracks, such as Young Guns II: Blaze of Glory, Days Of Thunder, Scream, Bruce Almighty, Varsity Blues and more.
Titta served as Senior Vice President / General Manager of Warner Chappell Music, Inc. in New York from 1993 to 2006, where he signed such acts as Trey Songz, Fat Joe, Missy Elliott, Kid Rock, Collective Soul, India.Arie, Gavin DeGraw, Cassandra Wilson, Dan Wilson (Semisonic), Uncle Kracker, Shaggy, Simple Plan, Duane Eddy and Bruce Hornsby. He scored with hits such as the Grammy Award-winning “Smooth” by Santana, “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake, “Lean Back” by Terror Squad,” “Waiting For Tonight” by Jennifer Lopez, “One Of Us” by Joan Osborne, “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis, “Pon De Replay” by Rihanna and many more, including songs recorded by Celine Dion, Ricky Martin, Patty Loveless and Marc Anthony.
Titta started MPCA Music Publishing and Recordings in 2006. The independent company featured the catalog of Blues legend Robert Johnson and songs by Sammy Cahn and Jack Wolf, among others, with songs recorded by Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, John Mayer, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, Aretha Franklin and more.
He joined ASCAP in 2013, where his impact has been indelible.
Also a musician, Titta performed on albums by Ringo Starr and Gizelle D’Cole and played with Michael McDonald, The Doobie Brothers, Duane Eddy, Richie Sambora and Omi. He spent time with Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan on the Tony Award winning musical Memphis, and did production and A&R work on albums by Dionne Warwick, Todd Rundgren, Melinda Doolittle, Smash Mouth and Donny & Marie Osmond.
Titta is survived by his wife Lana Titta, his sons Alex and Julian, his daughter Martine, grandson Mason and his brother Michael. The family is planning a private service to be followed by a memorial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John and Rose Titta Fund at The ASCAP Foundation, which Titta set up in memory of his parents to help children on the Autism spectrum through music programs. Donations can be made here or by sending a check to The ASCAP Foundation, 250 West 57th Street, New York, N.Y. 10107. In the memo section write: John and Rose Titta Fund.
Dylan Marlowe Inks With Relative Music Group & Play It Again Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L–R): Play It Again Music’s Cade Price, Dallas Davidson and Alyssa Ramsey; Dylan Marlowe; Relative Music Group’s Ali Matkosky, Michael Hardy, Caroline Clark, Jesse Matkosky and Dennis Matkosky
Singer-songwriter Dylan Marlowe has signed a joint publishing deal with Relative Music Group and Play It Again Music.
“Dylan Marlowe is a superstar. A superstar both on stage and in the writing room,” says Play It Again Music’s Dallas Davidson. “By joining forces with my crew at PIA and [Michael] Hardy and his team at Relative—that’s how you bottle up success. This is the kind of stuff that fires my ass up.”
The Statesboro, Georgia native has been making waves in Nashville due to his clever and authentic lyrics. He earned his first No. 1 as a songwriter with “Last Night Lonely” recorded by Jon Pardi, and currently has his first top 20 and climbing single as an artist, the Gold-certified collaboration “Boys Back Home (feat. Dylan Scott),” He signed his Sony Music Nashville & Play It Again Music record deal in January 2023.
This past spring, Marlowe held his sold-out headlining “Dirt Road When I Die Tour,” before hitting the road with Dan + Shay for “The Heartbreak On The Map Tour” this past summer. In 2023, Marlowe was on “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour” with Hardy, and has also been on select dates with Morgan Wallen, Jordan Davis and Brantley Gilbert.
He also released his debut album Mid-Twenties Crisis in September. Marlowe co-wrote all 15 tracks on the project, with the title track being a solo write. The album weaves together personal stories of the singer’s life, from heartbreaks to battling comparison to settling down. He will kick off his “Mid-Twenties Crisis Tour” on Jan. 23.
“Dylan has been one of my favorite writers and artists in the fourteen years I’ve been in town. I’ve had the pleasure of bringing him on tour and seeing these great songs come to life, and I truly think Dylan is the next big thing,” shares Hardy. “My favorite thing about Dylan is that he’s a certified country boy. There’s a lot of people out there like Dylan that love to fish and hunt and look for arrowheads, and he knows how to speak that language and turn that lifestyle into a song. I’m so excited to have him on board at Relative, and I cannot wait to see the great things that he will do and hear the great songs he will write.”
Dollywood To Celebrate 40th Season In 2025
/by Liza AndersonDolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park will celebrate its 40th season next year. Although the park has changed since its opening on May 3, 1986, it has sought to stay true to its mission of creating a welcoming environment where families can enjoy making memories together.
“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” expresses Parton. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years. When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together. I’m so proud of all the people who have worked to make Dollywood what it is today, and I want to thank all the guests who have supported us and trusted us to help them create those days they’ll never forget.
“And just think, I spent opening day watching the parking lot because I was worried that people might not show up,” she adds with a laugh. “But look at how far we’ve come since then—and we’re just getting started!”
Dollywood has special events, new celebrations and several returning favorites planned to commemorate the milestone season, starting with Season Passholder Preview Day on March 14. The I Will Always Love You Music Festival will follow March 15–April 13, with the return of From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton, which details the story of Parton leaving everything she knew in Sevier County to move to Nashville in pursuit of her dreams. Taking place in Celebrity Theater, the show will run through the Flower & Food Festival, set for April 18–June 8, which aims to create an immersive atmosphere for with more than half-a-million flowers and Smoky Mountain delicacies.
Additionally, a new 40th anniversary show will debut during Memorial Day weekend and run through the end of summer, highlighting moments from guest-favorite shows during the park’s history of entertainment offerings. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, presented by Food City, will then take place June 14–Aug. 3 and feature a new drone and fireworks spectacle as well as a new opening ceremony that will occur at the beginning of each operating day.
The Imagination Playhouse, which features plays based on books from Parton’s Imagination Library, will offer a rotation of favorites that guests have enjoyed throughout the years from March through September. During the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, new storytime and character meet-and-greets will join the Imagination Playhouse experience. Also to commemorate the landmark anniversary, Heartsong: The Movie will be remastered and moved to Dreamsong Theater as part of “The Dolly Parton Experience,” running in conjunction with “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends.”
Additionally, the Country Fair area of the park will be refreshed during the 2025 season, and will transform to Candy Corn Country during the Harvest Festival and Peppermint Valley during Smoky Mountain Christmas, which will conclude Dollywood’s 40th season with six million lights and festive holiday shows.
“I’m excited to welcome guests to celebrate our 40th-anniversary season with us in 2025,” says Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. “We’re thrilled to have earned the Tripadvisor #1 U.S. Theme Park designation last year, along with being the highest-ranked U.S. park in Golden Ticket Award voting for Best Park. We’ve worked hard for 40 seasons to make the Dollywood experience the best theme park experience in the country, and our guests are telling us we’ve done just that through these awards. And remember what Dolly said, ‘We’re just getting started!'”
Season Passes are now available to current 2024 passholders, and will go on sale to the general public this coming Monday (Oct. 28). For more information, click here.
Gabby Barrett To Release First Christmas Album In November
/by Lorie HollabaughGabby Barrett is getting into the holiday spirit, sharing that her first-ever Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight, is due out on Nov. 8 via Warner Music Nashville. A first taste of the collection, the nostalgic classic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” is due out this Friday (Oct. 25).
“If you know me, you know that Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year… so I have been so excited to announce my new Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight, will be available everywhere on Nov. 8 AND the first song release, ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas,’ is coming out THIS Friday, 10.25!” Barrett shared on Instagram. “I know we’re close to Halloween, but my heart is in HOLIDAY MODE!!!!!”
Carols and Candlelight features 11 Christmas-time favorites with a handpicked mix of traditional standards and heartwarming modern classics. From “The First Noel” and “Last Christmas,” to lively collaborations featuring her husband Cade Foehner (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”) and The Piano Guys (“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”), Barrett captures the magic of the season on the new collection.
The album also includes the inspiring rendition of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” with For King & Country, which was nominated for Christmas Recorded Song of the Year at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards.
1. “Mary, Did You Know?” (Mark Lowry, Buddy Greene)
2. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram)
3. “Christmas To Remember” (Chris Eaton, Beverly Darnall, Amy Grant)
4. “The First Noel” (Public Domain)
5. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside (feat. Cade Foehner)” (Frank Loesser)
6. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (feat. The Piano Guys)
7. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (For King & Country feat. Gabby Barrett)
8. “O Holy Night” (Public Domain)
9. “Last Christmas” (George Michael)
10. “Grown-Up Christmas List” (David Foster, Linda Thompson-Jenner)
11. “Silent Night” (Public Domain)
Academy Of Country Music Names 2024-2025 Board Of Directors
/by LB CantrellThe Academy of Country Music has selected its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term.
Previously-announced officer roles for the Academy of Country Music for the 2024-2025 term are Chair Randy Bernard, Vice-Chair Cris Lacy, Vice-President Jeff Krones, Treasurer Carmen Romano, Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb, Parliamentarian Duane Clark and Secretary Tommy Moore.
This year, 11 of the 13 qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by the Chair, Vice-Chair and Vice-President. Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.
Newly-elected members of the Board of Directors include Adam Weiser, Becky Gardenhire, BJ Hill, Cameo Carlson, Chandra Laplume, Cyndi Forman, Deana Ivey, George Couri, Jon Loba, Kristie Sloan, Lee Thomas Miller, Marcel Pariseau, Margaret Hart, Meredith Jones, Scott Scovill, Tim Roberts and Ward Guenther. Martha Earls and Scot Calonge have been elected to a one-year term to fill a previous vacancy.
Newly-appointed director-at-large members of the Board of Directors include Aaron Spalding, Andy Moats, Benson Curb, Candice Watkins, Chris Lisle, Cindy Mabe, Curt Motley, Emily Falvey, Howie Edelman, Jeremy Holley, Matt Cottingham, Rod Phillips, Sally Seitz, Shawn McSpadden, Storme Warren and Tim Foisset.
“As we enter into a milestone year with the 60th ACM Awards on the horizon on May 8, 2025, this will be a year of reflection on the impact the Academy has made on our industry, and a year to look forward on what the next sixty years will look like for the Academy and country music,” shares Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “With the guidance of these leaders in our industry and on our board, I have no doubt that the ACM will have one of the most exciting, impactful, and successful years to date, and with this dedicated group of individuals, the sky is the limit.”
The complete board is listed below.
Academy of Country Music Board of Directors 2024-2025:
OFFICERS:
Chair of the Board: Randy Bernard, RWB Management
Vice-Chair: Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
Vice-President: Jeff Krones, CAA
Treasurer: Carmen Romano, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms: Gayle Holcomb, WME
Parliamentarian: Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary: Tommy Moore, Academy of Country Music
AFFILIATED:
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Ward Guenther, Whiskey Jam
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Scott Scovill, Moo TV
ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER:
Gena Johnson
TJ Osborne
Carly Pearce
Derek Wells
DIGITAL MARKETING/ DISTRIBUTION:
Cameo Carlson, mTheory
Margaret Hart, YouTube
MANAGER:
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Martha Earls, Neon Coast
Kerri Edwards, kpentertainment
MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Marcel Pariseau, True Public Relations
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom PR
MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO:
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Shannan Hatch, SESAC
BJ Hill, Warner Chappel Music
RADIO:
Mike Moore, Cumulus Media
Tim Roberts, Audacy
RECORD COMPANY:
Jon Loba, BMG
Katie McCartney, Monument Records
Annie Ortmeier, Triple Tigers
Jennifer Way, Sony Music Nashville
SONGWRITER:
Lee Thomas Miller
TALENT AGENT:
Becky Gardenhire, WME
Meredith Jones, CAA
TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER:
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
VENUE:
Jason Kane, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
VISUAL CONTENT:
Chandra LaPlume, Sandbox Productions
DIRECTORS AT LARGE:
Jake Basden, Sandbox Entertainment
Breland
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Johnny Chiang, SiriusXM
Buffy Cooper, Morris Higham Management
Matt Cottingham, Lewis Brisbois
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Emily Falvey
Tim Foisset, Spotify
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Jeremy Holley, FlyteVu
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
Chris Lisle, CLLD, LLC
Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
Andy Moats, Pinnacle Bank
Mike Molinar, Big Machine Music
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment
Curt Motley, UTA
Chris Parr, MAVERICK
Rod Phillips, iHeart Media
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Mike Rittberg, Big Machine Label Group
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Randi Tolbert, QPrime
Storme Warren, The Big 615
Candice Watkins, Big Loud
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe
PAST CHAIRS:
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Duane Clark, FBMM
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS:
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Charlie Cook
Rod Essig, CAA
Mark Hartley
Darin Murphy, CAA
Ken Tucker, Wheelhouse Records
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
Premiere Details Revealed For ‘Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs In Symphony’
/by LB CantrellDolly Parton. Photo: Courtesy of Parton
Dolly Parton has announced that tickets for the world premiere of her new symphonic concert, “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony,” with the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony will go on sale next Friday (Nov. 1).
Featuring Parton’s songs and the stories behind them in an innovative multimedia symphonic experience, with the star appearing on screen, “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony” will lead audiences in a visual-musical journey of her songs, life and stories. Accompanied by guest vocalists and musicians, the production includes new and innovative orchestrations of the Hall of Famer’s hits woven together into a full experience.
“The threads of my life are woven together through my songs. That’s why this project, ‘Threads: My Songs In Symphony,’ is so special to me,” Parton shares. “It’s all about sharing my music and my musical journey with audiences in a new way. I’m really excited for fans to experience it for the first time with the Nashville Symphony!”
The world premiere performance of “Threads: My Songs in Symphony” will take place on March 20 in Nashville with the Nashville Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, and will include a special appearance by Parton. For more information, click here.
“We are honored to help launch this extraordinary production with Dolly Parton in Nashville at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center,” says Alan D. Valentine, Nashville Symphony President & CEO. “Enhanced by the stories and images that make up the threads of her extraordinary life and career, her legendary and timeless catalog—combined with the power and majesty of our Nashville Symphony orchestra—will create an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone.”
Following the world premiere, performances will take place across the United States in the 2025-2026 season. The initial list of orchestras include:
– March 20, 2025: Nashville Symphony Orchestra
– May 17, 2025: Fort Wayne Philharmonic
– June 17, 2025: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
– June 29, 2025: San Diego Symphony Orchestra
– Sept. 7, 2025: The Cleveland Orchestra
– Sept. 18–20, 2025: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
– Oct. 10, 2025: The Alabama Symphony Orchestra (Birmingham)
– Jan. 23–25, 2026: Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
– Feb. 14–15, 2026: Oregon Symphony (Portland)
– March 28, 2026: Phoenix Symphony Orchestra
– May 1, 2026: Eugene Symphony Orchestra
Kelsea Ballerini Slates 2025 Tour
/by LB CantrellKelsea Ballerini. Photo: Nyk Allen, Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
With her forthcoming studio album Patterns set to release on Friday (Oct. 25), Kelsea Ballerini has announced she will take her new music on the road next year for a 30-city, three-month arena tour “Kelsea Ballerini Live On Tour.” The news comes after Ballerini sold out her special Patterns release show at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden in minutes.
Promoted by AEG Presents, “Kelsea Ballerini Live On Tour” kicks off on Jan. 21, 2025, at Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Van Andel Arena and includes dates in Chicago, Toronto, Tampa, Los Angeles and more, with a show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Jan. 31. MaRynn Taylor and Maisie Peters will serve as support for the run.
Presale tickets for Ballerini’s Legends fan club will begin on Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. local time, with artist presale going up at 12 p.m. local time. General on-sale begins Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. local time. Ballerini is donating one dollar from every ticket sold to her Feel Your Way Through Foundation, an organization committed to supporting mental health charities.
As she continues on her Patterns release week, Ballerini will appear on TODAY at Rockefeller Plaza for NBC’s Citi Concert Series early Friday morning (Oct. 25). She will bring her new album to life for the very first time on Oct. 29 joined by a sold-out Madison Square Garden crowd before making appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (Oct. 30) and The Kelly Clarkson Show (Nov. 4).
“Kelsea Ballerini Live On Tour” 2025 Tour Dates:
01/21 Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
01/23 Chicago, IL – United Center
01/24 Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
01/25 Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
01/29 Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
01/31 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
02/01 Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
02/04 Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
02/06 Buffalo, NY -KeyBank Center
02/07 Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
02/08 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
02/10 Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
02/13 Boston, MA – TD Garden
02/14 Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
02/15 Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
02/18 Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
02/20 Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
02/22 Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
02/23 Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla
02/26 Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
03/13 Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
03/14 Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena
03/15 Portland, OR – Moda Center
03/18 Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
03/21 Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
03/22 San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena San Diego
03/25 Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
03/28 Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
03/29 Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
03/30 Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Habitat For Humanity’s Music Row Build Announces Partnership With CAA
/by Liza Anderson2022 MRB volunteers. Photo: Courtesy of MRB
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build (MRB) has announced a three-year partnership with CAA.
As an annual funding partner, the sports and entertainment agency has committed to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission and this year’s build, which is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8.
The partnership comes in response to the Nashville housing boom, which has decreased affordable housing availability and increased mortgage rates. Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with CAA, aims to create homeownership opportunities for individuals and families who make 60–80% of area median income (AIM), with the goal of establishing an entire neighborhood that provides affordable housing to those who work in the music industry.
“We are excited to partner with CAA, who has generously stepped in to provide continuity for our annual Habitat build for the next three years, as well as help us continue to seed the Music Row Build fund for future builds and eventually establish a Musician’s Village,” says Penny Gattis, MRB Chair.
“We are incredibly proud of our newly formed partnership with Habitat for Humanity and are committed to leveraging our resources to create positive impact within the community,” shares Katie Anderson, Strategy & Operations, Touring Leadership, CAA. “This partnership will make a significant difference for those working and living in Nashville and for the artists and musicians who are integral to Nashville, the music community and CAA, ensuring they have access to quality, affordable housing.”
“We have so many meaningful engagements here at Habitat that fit nicely with CAA’s breadth of in-house talent of artists, musicians, storytellers and sports figures, coupled with their global outreach and industry intelligence. CAA is a very generous partner, and we are grateful for their friendship as well as their support,” adds Sherry Stinson, SVP of Public Affairs & Communication, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville. “CAA’s mission to create philanthropic opportunities for their clients aligns with our mission of providing opportunities for those who are willing to work to achieve homeownership.”
Katharine McPhee Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughKatharine McPhee during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Artist and actress Katharine McPhee recently made her at the Grand Ole Opry debut during back-to-back shows celebrating the Opry’s 99th birthday.
Katharine McPhee performing with Riley Green during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
McPhee received a standing ovation after she performed her two-song set of “She Used To be Mine” and “Red Neck Woman.” She also surprised the crowd by bringing out Riley Green to duet “Don’t Mind If I Do,” the title track of his new album.
McPhee raved about her debut on a series of Instagram posts saying, “Couldn’t have asked for a more fun Opry debut. Thank you, guys, for having me and making this dream a reality. I can’t wait to come back. Thank you Riley Green for letting me share the stage.”
Additionally, the American Idol season five runner-up signed an exclusive record deal with Nashville-based label Melody Place in August and is set to release new music in early 2025. She has also previously starred in both the U.S. and U.K. productions of the hit Broadway show Waitress, the Netflix original series Country Comfort, the CBS’ spy drama Scorpion, and was featured in NBC’s award-winning musical series Smash, among others.
Jelly Roll Slates Homecoming Show, Rocks Out ‘Amazon Music Live’
/by Madison HahnenJelly Roll performs on Amazon Music Live. Photo: Jesse Lirola
Genre-bending superstar Jelly Roll will culminate his “Beautifully Broken Tour” with a homecoming show at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 26 with special guests Ernest and Alexandra Kay. The performance marks his first headlining performance in his hometown since his show at Bridgestone Arena in December 2022.
To date, the “Beautifully Broken Tour” has sold over 550,000 tickets and marks the singer’s largest headline run to date. The trek has included sold-out stops at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Keith Urban & Jelly Roll performing on Amazon Music Live. Photo: Jesse Lirola
General ticket sales for the homecoming stop begin Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. CT.
Elsewhere, Jelly Roll took the stage for the season three premiere of Amazon Music Live following Thursday Night Football on Prime Video on Oct. 17. In front of a live audience, he performed new tracks off his newly released Beautifully Broken project, including “Winning Streak,” “Get By” and “Liar,” as well his hit single “Save Me.”
Jelly Roll also invited some friends to join him up on stage, including Keith Urban for “Don’t Want To” and Skylar Grey for “Past Yesterday.” Machine Gun Kelly also joined the party for a performance of their hit collaboration “Lonely Road,” as well as “Time of Day.” Additionally, he sat down with AML host Liza Koshy to talk about his new music.
Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll perform on Amazon Music Live. Photo: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Amazon Music
Jelly Roll is interviewed by Liza Koshy on Amazon Music Live. Photo: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Amazon Music
Jelly Roll onset at Amazon Music Live. Photo: Jesse Lirola