Danny Wimmer Presents Opens New Music City Office

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Live entertainment production company Danny Wimmer Presents has opened a new office in downtown Nashville.

The company has produced festivals across Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, California and beyond for almost 20 years, including Louisville festivals Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life, just three hours north of Nashville.

The Nashville office will serve as a central hub for marketing, creative and administration, led by Boone Vires (SVP, Marketing), Jake Miller (Head of Content & Creative) and Haley Baca (Director of Administration).

“Nashville offers an incredible quality of life that makes it a natural home for our growing team. As DWP has experienced significant growth over the past five years, expanding into a new office in Music City is a strategic step that supports our long-term vision and continued momentum,” says Wimmer, Founder of DWP. “From affordability and accessibility to the depth of entertainment and culture, it’s a place where people can build meaningful careers and fulfilling lives. We’re already seeing strong interest from top talent, strengthening our ability to recruit, retain, and scale for the future.”

DWP sold more than one million tickets across its festivals last season. The company’s portfolio of multi-day experiences includes Aftershock, Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival and Welcome To Rockville. 

‘Culture At Large’ To Launch First Live Performance Event

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Marcus K. Dowling‘s Culture At Large will launch its first live performance event, “R.O.O.T.S.: An All-Female Roots Music Jam Session,” on April 7, at Nashville’s Anzie Blue.

The event will feature performances from ​​Bluegrass Music Association-winning fiddle player Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Folk Alliance International Spirit of Folk award-winning pianist and vocalist Lilli Lewis, and Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and International Bluegrass Music Association Vocalist of the Year Jaelee Roberts. Tickets to the event are available now.

Dowling launched the Culture At Large podcast in October. The weekly music industry podcast is recorded live from Nashville’s Anzie Blue.

“Two-thirds of the version of The Carter Family, which introduced country music as a commercial genre in 1927, were women,” shares Dowling. “One hundred years later, Billboard‘s top-selling pop albums and singles artists are two different women known for their work in country music. Building lasting connections between music, people, and culture requires changing expectations to boost creative innovation. Therefore, events like R.O.O.T.S. emphasize that it’s time for country’s mainstream pop cultural comeback to expand beyond a single genre and into a broader American and global scene that deepens and expands country music and Western culture’s influence.”

Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Unveils Lineup For CRS Luncheon

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Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has revealed its lineup for its 2026 CRS luncheon, taking place March 20 at 12 p.m.

This year’s showcase will feature performances from The Band Perry, The Jack Wharff Band, Mackenzie Carpenter, Cole Goodwin, Caroline Jones, Shaylen, Greylan James and Naomi Carman.

“CRS remains one of the most important opportunities to showcase our amazing artists where they feel most at home — ON STAGE,” says Scott Borchetta, Founder & Chair. “As we enter our ‘NEXT 20,’ we will be giving you a robust look into our future — and yours. Start your engines…”

Online registration for CRS 2026 has closed. On-site registration will be available in Nashville at the current rate of $799 through the start of the event.

Scout Speer Inks With Sony Music Publishing & Dan Isbell

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Pictured (L-R): Chelsea Kent (SMP), Rusty Gaston (SMP), Tom Luteran (SMP), Cam Caldwell (SMP), Scout Speer, Dan Isbell, Scott Safford (Safford Motley PLC) and Jeff Peterson (Interstate Music).

Rising artist and songwriter Scout Speer has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with country music hitmaker Dan Isbell.

Speer combines a modern country edge vivid storytelling, her Tennessee upbringing in her sound. Recent singles “Strangers,” “Against Me” and “That’d Be Crazy” have already gained viral attraction, alongside her self-titled EP Scout Speer. Speer has already amassed five million streams, and has performed two sold-out shows in Nashville, alongside making a festival appearance She is currently working on new music, with a full-length album slated for release later in 2026.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be partnering with Sony Music Publishing and Dan Isbell as I take this next step in my career. It’s an honor to work with people who believe so deeply in my music and my future as a writer,” says Speer. “I also want to thank my manager Jeff Peterson and the team at Interstate Music for supporting me from the very beginning and helping me get to this moment. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

“I’m thrilled to work with Scout,” shares Isbell. “She’s a killer vocalist with a sound that balances heartfelt melancholy and an upbeat spirit that really comes alive on stage. I can’t wait for Nashville and the rest of the world to hear her voice and experience all she has to say.”

“When Dan introduced me to Scout, I immediately saw in her what he did: an unmistakable voice and a natural storytelling ability that captures audiences,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville VP, Creative A&R, Tom Luteran. “Shaped by her collegiate soccer background, Scout has discipline, a team-first mindset and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed, and we’re proud to partner with Dan to support her career.”

Industry Ink: Lady A, Belmont, Warren Zeiders, IBMA, Kendra Scott

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Lady A Takes The Stage At CMHOFM Annual Members-Only Concert

Pictured (L-R): Charles Kelley, Ben Hall, Hillary Scott, Sally Gairhan and Dave Haywood. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Lady A took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last night (March 11) for its annual members-only concert, The Big Gig.

The band performed hits including “Need You Now” and “Downtown” in the museum’s CMA Theater.

 

Belmont University’s Fisher Center Wins PACnet Event Of The Year For ‘DOLLY: A True Original Musical’

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts received the PACnet 2026 Spotlight Event of the Year Award for hosting the 49-show world premiere run of DOLLY: A True Original Musical, which sold more than 77,000 tickets and drew audiences from all 50 states.

“This recognition affirms what we believe the Fisher Center can be: a place where ambitious new productions can premiere and connect with audiences from across the country,” shares Gage Baxter, managing director of the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. “The response to DOLLY: A True Original Musical showed how powerful it is to launch a project like this in Nashville.”

 

Warren Zeiders Performs At Health & Hope Gala

 

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Warren Zeiders recently performed at the Health & Hope Gala in Austin, Texas, benefiting the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Zeiders performed at the Gala on Thursday evening (March 5) and participated in Friday’s Golf Tournament.

 

IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Opens ‘For Your Consideration’ List Submissions

Photo: Kristopher Fister

IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards has opened “For Your Consideration” list submissions. Recommendations can be made here through March 31.

Submissions are welcome in six categories, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Gospel Recording of the Year, Instrumental Recording of the Year, Collaborative Recording of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

The submission form, as well as additional guidelines, can be found here.

 

Kendra Scott Hosts VIP Nashville Opening

Marcus King, Briley King, Kendra Scott & Zac Brown. Photo: BFA, Jason Lowrie

Kendra Scott hosted a VIP grand opening for its Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott’s Nashville flagship store last night (March 11).

The new location marks the brand’s first home outside of Texas. Guests included Kendra Scott, Zac Brown, Marcus and Briley King, Lanie Gardner, Laci Kay Booth, The Castellows, Kat Luna and more.

Hope On The Inside To Host Writers’ Round Benefit With Kix Brooks, Vince Gill, More

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Hope On The Inside is hosting a fundraiser at the Listening Room in Nashville on April 2 with proceeds going towards their prison re-entry and rehabilitation initiatives.

The evening will spotlight Nashville Metro Jail’s Behavioral Correctional Center, sharing real-life testimonies that reinforce Hope On The Inside’s mission of rehabilitation. The event also features performances by Chancie Neal and Three Times A Lady, followed by a writers’ round with founders Briana Calhoun and Kix Brooks alongside Bob DiPiero, Vince Gill, and Tim Nichols. Throughout the night, guests can also participate in both silent and live auctions.

“I can’t wait to share what is going to be a really special night with some of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters, great artists and inspiring stories,” says Briana Calhoun, Founder and Executive Director of HOTI. “Hope on the Inside’s mission and success in rehabilitation support programs is offering true second chances to those who might otherwise never get one. So, we’re excited to recognize and support organizations like the Behavioral Correctional Center right here in Nashville. The incredible efforts of Sheriff Daron Hall and his staff have created a humane and practical approach to rehabilitation unlike anything I’ve witnessed in a metro correctional facility.”

Launched in 2023 by Louisiana natives Calhoun and Brooks, Hope On The Inside brings music and conversation into correctional facilities. By paring songs rooted in real-world struggle with Calhoun’s own powerful story, the nonprofit strives to connect hearts, inspire change and uplift the voices of those who have walked the hardest roads.

Tickets for general admission and VIP seating are now available for purchase here.

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum To Host Panel With Henry Cho & Gary Mule Deer

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host a panel discussion with comedians Henry Cho and Gary Mule Deer surrounding the Grand Ole Opry’s tradition of blending humor with musical performances on April 15 in the museum’s Ford Theater.

The comedians will share their own career paths that led them to the world-famous country radio show during the panel discussion, which will be led by Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Senior Director of Editorial Paul Kingsbury. 

In 2023, the Grand Ole Opry inducted acclaimed comedians Cho and Mule Deer into the fold. Hailing from Knoxville, Cho made his Opry debut in 2011 and performed more than 100 times before being asked to join the cast. Mule Deer, who comes from South Dakota, performed more than 160 times on the show before his induction.

The program will include video clips from past Opry routines. The event is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but a program ticket is required. Tickets can be reserved in advance here.

The panel is offered in support of the museum’s exhibit “Country’s Grandest Stage: The Opry at 100“ which runs until March 2027 and examines notable performers and key moments in the history of the show that has entertained millions.

Country Music Hall Of Fame 2026 Inductee Announcement Set For March 20

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The 2026 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees are set to be announced during a live streamed announcement on YouTube on March 20.

CMA will livestream the press conference hosted by Marty Stuart at 10 a.m. CT on CMA’s YouTube Channel here.

Jamie Moore Signs With Spirit Music Group

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Kennedy Murphy (Spirit Music Group), Jamie Moore, Mike Fiorentino (Spirit Music Group) and AJ Burton (Spirit Music Group/Fluid Music Revolution). (L-R, back row): Spirit Music Group’s Jane Wahlfeldt, Ryan Johnson, Brian Bradford, Will Cooper, Jake Pieklik, Frank Rogers and Andy Hodges. Photo: Courtesy Spirit Music Group

Jamie Moore has signed with Spirit Music Group.

Hailing from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Moore has earned cuts with Carrie Underwood, Mackenzie Carpenter, Toby Mac, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line and Tim McGraw. The four-time Grammy nominee was honored for “Chasin You,” recorded by Morgan Wallen, as one of NSAI’s 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written.

“I love writing songs and being a part of the Nashville songwriter community; what I truly believe is the greatest songwriting community in the world,” shares Moore. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Spirit family and look forward to celebrating many successes together.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jamie to the Spirit family,” adds Spirit Music Group Creative Director Kennedy Murphy. “I have had the privilege of getting to know Jamie as the incredible human and friend he is and am now looking forwarding to championing him as a creative. We’re grateful for his trust and partnership in this next chapter of his songwriting career.”

Moore joins a roster that includes HARDY, The Black Crowes, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, David Garcia, Ryan Beaver, Monty Criswell and more.

Jelly Roll Celebrates Chart-Toppers With 3x No. 1 Party

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Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Tape Room Music’s Katherine Godwin, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall, Rhythm House’s Vanna Moua, Big Machine Music’s Tim Hunze, Madfun Entertainment’s Alicia Pruitt, Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson and Sony Music Publishing’s Kenley Flynn. (L-R, front row): BMG Americas’ Jon Loba, Blake Pendergrass (BMI), Ashley Gorley (ASCAP), Taylor Phillips (BMI), Jelly Roll (BMI), Zach Crowell (ASCAP/Producer), Ben Johnson (BMI) and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

BMI and ASCAP hosted a No. 1 party yesterday (March 10) celebrating Jelly Roll’s latest three chart-toppers, “Liar,” “Heart of Stone” and “Halfway to Hell.”

The event took place at the Grand Ole Opry’s Studio A, before Jelly Roll’s member induction.

Emceed by BMI’s Clay Bradley, the evening began by inviting the hitmakers behind the six-week No. 1 “Liar” to the stage. Produced by Zach Crowell, the song was co-written by Jelly Roll, Ben Johnson, Taylor Phillips and Ashley Gorley, who all shared grateful remarks. Next, Jelly Roll’s co-writers behind the multi-week No. One “Heart of Stone,” Crowell and Blake Pendergrass, shared their praises about the song’s success while giving a nod to their co-writer, Shy Carter.

To end the night, Jelly Roll gave a nod to the songwriters of the 2025 BMI Country Award-winning song “Halfway to Hell”, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure and Matt Jenkins.

In celebration of his first No. 1 party as a BMI songwriter, Bradley presented Pendergrass with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar. Jon Loba presented the songwriters with plaques celebrating their milestones.

The evening was sponsored by Studio Bank, who made a charitable contribution on behalf of Jelly Roll and the songwriters to the Judge Dinkins Educational Center.