Luke Bryan performs during “Farm Tour.” Photo: Eder Acevedo
For 15 years, country mainstay Luke Bryan has been bringing legions of fans to farms across America for his annual “Farm Tour.”
Since its inception in 2009, more than 100,000 have attended each year. Gathered on fields in rural areas around the country, attendees have enjoyed music from Bryan and a slew of openers, enjoyed local vendors and visited lesser-traveled to areas of the country.
Luke Bryan corn maze at Farm Tour stop in Utah, designed by The MAiZE Inc.
Bryan has also used “Farm Tour” to give back. To date, he’s awarded 84 college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending the local college or university near the tour stops. And when presenting sponsor Bayer joined the tour in 2015, Bryan was able to do even more with the #HerestotheFarmer campaign. Activating fans to share the hashtag provides one meal to a person in need per every share. Since the partnership’s inception, nine million meals have been donated to Feeding America member food banks.
Bryan wrapped the 2024 iteration of “Farm Tour” this weekend with shows in Shelbyville, Kentucky and Smithton, Pennsylvania. MusicRow attended the rainy Kentucky stop to check out all the fun.
Though bad weather was setting in from the beginnings of Hurricane Helene, fans were ready for country music. DJ Rock set the vibe as people filed in and breakout star Tucker Wetmore soon took the stage.
He impressed the crowd with his streaming heaters, “What Would You Do,” “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” and also played new song “Silverado Blue.”
Ben Haslip, Tucker Wetmore, Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Conner Smith, DJ Rock and Rodney Clawson. Photo: Eder Acevedo
The Peach Pickers‘ Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip were then joined by Rodney Clawson on stage as the second act. They played a selection of some of their many hits, giving Kentucky fans a taste of Nashville with performances of their penned “Small Town Boy,” “Boys Round Here” and many more. They said they weren’t allowed to play any Luke Bryan songs, although they had many hits together, but they played a few snippets anyway.
Next up was singer-songwriter Conner Smith, who came out hot on the drizzly stage with “Heatin’ Up.” He played his popular originals like “I Hate Alabama” and “Take It Slow,” and threw in a few fun covers of “Dixieland Delight,” “Mud On The Tires” and “Big Green Tractor.”
Smith brought Wetmore back out to perform their Twisters movie collaboration “Steal My Thunder,” which proved to be a highlight of the night. He also said a prayer for the farmers whose land would ultimately be affected by Hurricane Helene, and played new song “Faith From A Farmer.” Smith closed with his infectious hit “Creek Will Rise.”
When Bryan hit the stage, the rain had picked up. It persisted throughout the show, making for a slippery catwalk on stage and a mud hole on the farm, but Bryan wasn’t phased. He thrilled the Kentucky crowd with “That’s My Kind Of Night” before getting everyone dancing in the weather with “Rain Is A Good Thing.”
Bryan kept the party energy going with “Move,” “One Margarita” and “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” before sending the couples in the crowd into each other’s arms with “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” and new single “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.”
After rousing the country folks in the audience with “What Makes You Country” and making everybody blush with “Knockin’ Boots,” Bryan brought Smith and Wetmore back out for Florida Georgia Line‘s part of “This Is How We Roll.” The men roughhoused and slid around on stage in the water, creating a fun, rowdy moment for the audience.
Luke Bryan performs during “Farm Tour.” Photo: Eder Acevedo
One of the evening’s highlights came when Bryan stood alone on stage with an acoustic guitar. He traveled through a series of special songs, like “Buy Dirt,” which hit different on a field in beautiful, rural Kentucky, and “Country On.” He tipped his ball cap to the late Toby Keith with a performance of “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” which fans loved, and got everyone remembering their lost loved ones with “Drink A Beer.”
Bryan then reminded the crowd that his eighth studio album, Mind Of A Country Boy, would be coming out at midnight. “It’s the greatest album in the history of mankind,” he said with a wink.
“Do you like to deer hunt, Kentucky? Who likes to fish?” Bryan exclaimed to a rebel-yelled response. “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” was perhaps the crowd-favorite of the night.
To close out the fun, Bryan blitzed the crowd with hits “Kick The Dust Up,” “Play It Again” and “I Don’t Want This Night To End.” Before he disappeared onto dry ground, he closed with “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and sent everyone back to their cars, arm-in-arm singing some of the biggest hits of the last 20 years of country music.
Industry Ink: Conner Smith, Modern Luxury Nashville, Tyler Hubbard, Syntax Creative
/by Lorie HollabaughConner Smith Celebrates Golden ‘Creek’ As He Readies Storyteller
Pictured (L-R): The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Pioneer Artists’ Jake Kinney, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Conner Smith, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Make Wake Artists’ Chris Kappy. Photo: Eden Gerlock for The Valory Music Co.
Conner Smith earned a RIAA Gold certification with his multi-week, international chart-topper “Creek Will Rise.” The rising singer-songwriter’s latest project, The Storyteller, arrives on Oct, 4. He’ll head out on his “The Storyteller Tour” on Oct. 8.
Modern Luxury Nashville Launches With Its Cover Girl Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson, Midland
Modern Luxury Media celebrated the launch of Modern Luxury Nashville magazine with a special event presented by Dolce & Gabbana on Monday night (Sept. 30) at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville. The launch party was hosted by Lainey Wilson, the cover star of Nashville’s inaugural Style Issue.
The evening featured surprise performances by 18-year-old guitarist Grace Bowers, singer-songwriter Maggie Rose, DJ/actress Brandi Cyrus and the Nashville Opera, along with a headlining performance by country trio Midland.
Tyler Hubbard Performs At 23rd Annual Tunnel To Towers Run & Walk
Tyler Hubbard
Tyler Hubbard delivered a special performance at the 23rd annual Tunnel To Towers 5K Run and Walk in New York City on Sept. 29. Despite the rain, 40,000 participants re-traced the final steps of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller from the foot of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. Proceeds from the event support the foundation’s programs to provide mortgage-free homes to America’s heroes and eradicate veteran homelessness nationwide. The event coincided with the release of Hubbard’s new song, “Heroes” which pays tribute to America’s everyday heroes.
Syntax Creative Announces Staff Promotion, Hire
Syntax Creative has promoted Erin Moorman from Marketing Coordinator to Senior Director of Marketing. In her new role, she will oversee all marketing initiatives and manage employees who support marketing efforts company-wide. Moorman holds a bachelor’s degree in entertainment industry studies from Delta State University and a master’s degree in music business from Visible Music College.
The company has also hired Tremon Matlock as the new Marketing Coordinator, reporting directly to Moorman. Matlock recently graduated summa cum laude from a University-Model private classical school and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in business administration.
Inaugural NMAAM Honors To Celebrate African American Music Pioneers
/by John Nix ArledgeThe inaugural National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) Honors will take place this Saturday (Oct. 5).
Americana Music Association and Foundation Board members Allison Russell and Gina Miller as well as Executive Director Jed Hilly will be honored alongside NMAAM Education Advisory Council member Dr. Forrest Harris; R&B Foundation Chairman Damon Williams; professor, songwriter and author Alice Randall; Curb Records Founder & Chairman Mike Curb; and producer and music executive Torrance Esmond, also known as “Street Symphony.”
The NMAAM Honors aim celebrate musicians, producers and educators who have made contributions to the music industry and progressed NMAAM’s mission to uphold and promote the legacy of African American music. The event will feature a mix of performances and tributes to the honorees’ achievements and their impact on the cultural landscape.
“Bringing NMAAM’s first awards gala to Broadway is a powerful reminder of African American music’s influence on all genres. As we celebrate Black music 365 days a year, this event honors those who’ve championed our mission to preserve this rich cultural legacy,” says C. Dion Brown, NMAAM President & CEO.
Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
On The Row: Madeline Merlo Finds Her Sound On New EP
/by Madison HahnenMadeline Merlo. Photo: Robby Klein
BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records recording artist Madeline Merlo is gearing up for her major label debut, One House Down (From The Girl Next Door), due out Oct. 11. She recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share some tunes and talk about the making of the project.
Merlo hails from Maple Ridge in British Columbia, Canada, and has been in Nashville for seven years. She rode horses growing up, which is how she was introduced to country music that would play in the barn all day long. At six years old, she performed “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” at her school talent show, igniting her passion for singing. By age eight, Merlo singing along to songs like Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing.”
Soon enough, Merlo moved to Toronto to begin chasing her music dream. After two years in Canada’s it city, she packed up everything she had and drove down to Nashville. She signed her first publishing deal with Deluge Music and started finding her stride as a songwriter.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Liza Anderson & LB Cantrell, Madeline Merlo, MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Madison Hahnen & John Nix Arledge
In 2020, Merlo got a call that she was going to be on NBC’s Songland. On the show, she was paired with hitmaker Shane McAnally where they worked on Merlo’s “Champagne Night” for country trio Lady A. It was the first song on the show that was sent to radio where it went on to become a three-week No. 1. The now Platinum-certified single earned Merlo the 2021 Canadian Country Music Association Songwriter of the Year award, and also led her to sign her BBR record deal and publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing.
Now gearing up for the release of her Zach Crowell-produced EP, Merlo is excited to share more of her storytelling with the world.
Madeline Merlo & MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson
“I’ve never had a harder time picking what songs should be on a project,” Merlo shared of the new music. “I was in a state of turmoil and could not decide. I’ve never had that happen before but I’m so proud of each and every song on it and I feel like it all works together in a perfect way. I feel like I’ve really come into my own as a writer, in my sound and my voice.”
The six-track project features her recently-released duet with Dustin Lynch “Broken Heart Thing,” which Merlo played for the team. The duet is a full-circle moment for Merlo, as she auditioned to be on Lynch’s “Thinkin’ Bout You,” but sadly did not get the feature. Though she admits that she was disappointed, everything works out in the end, as now Lynch is featured on her own song.
Merlo also played her vulnerable “Makeup” to the MusicRow team. Written with Crowell, Jerry Flowers and Josh Osborne, the tune shares the emotional story of how we don’t always have to accept everything that’s passed down from our parents.
One House Down (From The Girl Next Door) also features “Bar Fight,” “Middle Of The Bed” and more within its track list. Merlo explained that the order of the songs follow her story, starting with her going through a breakup to meeting her now-husband.
In addition to the EP, Merlo will soon make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 16.
Tanner Adell To Embark On First-Ever Headlining Tour Next Month
/by Liza AndersonTanner Adell. Photo: Chase Foster
Tanner Adell will embark on her first-ever headlining run, “The Buckle Bunny Tour,” next month.
Presented by Crown Royal, the 10-date journey will kick off in Dallas on Nov. 14 and visit New York City, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago and more through mid-December.
“I am so excited to headline these shows,” says Adell. “Y’all have been showing up and showing out for me, so I couldn’t be more thrilled to be coming to your cities and putting on a full performance. And being able to partner with Crown Royal, who has supported my career from the beginning, is a dream come true. Not only is it an amazing whisky, but Crown Royal has long been woven into the fabric of country music and is the perfect partner for this tour. Can’t wait to see all my bunnies on the road and raise a glass with y’all.”
Named after her debut mixtape Buckle Bunny, the tour will see the Love Renaissance (LVRN) artist perform its eight tracks, all of which she co-wrote. Adell will also treat fans to live renditions of her latest releases “Silverado” and “Cowboy Break My Heart,” which she made history with during the 2024 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, as well as Twisters: The Album tune “Too Easy,” “Whiskey Blues” and her feature on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, “Blackbiird.”
Artist presale tickets are available now. The Spotify presale will begin tomorrow (Oct. 3) at 10 a.m. local time, with public sales starting this Friday (Oct. 4) at the same time. For more information, click here.
This year, she has taken the stage at domestic and international festivals, including C2C, Stagecoach, Faster Horses and Hangout, and is slated to appear at the upcoming GoldenSky Country Music Festival and Ridin’ Hearts Festival.
Country Radio Hall Of Fame Accepting Nominations For Class Of 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Radio Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its Class of 2025 now through Oct. 28. To nominate a candidate for the Country Radio Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, individuals can complete the nomination form here.
“We need your help to find the radio pros who will represent the Class of 2025 in the Country Radio Hall of Fame,” says CRB’s Country Radio Hall of Fame Committee Co-Chair Joel Raab. “We’re looking for the Best of The Best… and you may know who they are!”
The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting and significant contributions to the country radio industry. Eligible candidates must have worked in the radio industry for a minimum of 20 years, with at least 15 years spent in the country format. The Country Radio Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding professionals in two categories: Radio (those who have worked behind the scenes in programming, management, sales, etc.) and On-Air Personality (those who have made their mark as on-air talent). Each inductee is celebrated for their exceptional impact and dedication to the growth and development of country radio.
Inductees for the Class of 2025 will be announced during the Country Radio Seminar 2025, taking place Feb. 19-21 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Luke Bryan Wraps 15th Annual ‘Farm Tour’
/by LB CantrellLuke Bryan performs during “Farm Tour.” Photo: Eder Acevedo
For 15 years, country mainstay Luke Bryan has been bringing legions of fans to farms across America for his annual “Farm Tour.”
Since its inception in 2009, more than 100,000 have attended each year. Gathered on fields in rural areas around the country, attendees have enjoyed music from Bryan and a slew of openers, enjoyed local vendors and visited lesser-traveled to areas of the country.
Luke Bryan corn maze at Farm Tour stop in Utah, designed by The MAiZE Inc.
Bryan has also used “Farm Tour” to give back. To date, he’s awarded 84 college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending the local college or university near the tour stops. And when presenting sponsor Bayer joined the tour in 2015, Bryan was able to do even more with the #HerestotheFarmer campaign. Activating fans to share the hashtag provides one meal to a person in need per every share. Since the partnership’s inception, nine million meals have been donated to Feeding America member food banks.
Bryan wrapped the 2024 iteration of “Farm Tour” this weekend with shows in Shelbyville, Kentucky and Smithton, Pennsylvania. MusicRow attended the rainy Kentucky stop to check out all the fun.
Though bad weather was setting in from the beginnings of Hurricane Helene, fans were ready for country music. DJ Rock set the vibe as people filed in and breakout star Tucker Wetmore soon took the stage.
He impressed the crowd with his streaming heaters, “What Would You Do,” “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” and also played new song “Silverado Blue.”
Ben Haslip, Tucker Wetmore, Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Conner Smith, DJ Rock and Rodney Clawson. Photo: Eder Acevedo
The Peach Pickers‘ Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip were then joined by Rodney Clawson on stage as the second act. They played a selection of some of their many hits, giving Kentucky fans a taste of Nashville with performances of their penned “Small Town Boy,” “Boys Round Here” and many more. They said they weren’t allowed to play any Luke Bryan songs, although they had many hits together, but they played a few snippets anyway.
Next up was singer-songwriter Conner Smith, who came out hot on the drizzly stage with “Heatin’ Up.” He played his popular originals like “I Hate Alabama” and “Take It Slow,” and threw in a few fun covers of “Dixieland Delight,” “Mud On The Tires” and “Big Green Tractor.”
Smith brought Wetmore back out to perform their Twisters movie collaboration “Steal My Thunder,” which proved to be a highlight of the night. He also said a prayer for the farmers whose land would ultimately be affected by Hurricane Helene, and played new song “Faith From A Farmer.” Smith closed with his infectious hit “Creek Will Rise.”
When Bryan hit the stage, the rain had picked up. It persisted throughout the show, making for a slippery catwalk on stage and a mud hole on the farm, but Bryan wasn’t phased. He thrilled the Kentucky crowd with “That’s My Kind Of Night” before getting everyone dancing in the weather with “Rain Is A Good Thing.”
Bryan kept the party energy going with “Move,” “One Margarita” and “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” before sending the couples in the crowd into each other’s arms with “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” and new single “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.”
After rousing the country folks in the audience with “What Makes You Country” and making everybody blush with “Knockin’ Boots,” Bryan brought Smith and Wetmore back out for Florida Georgia Line‘s part of “This Is How We Roll.” The men roughhoused and slid around on stage in the water, creating a fun, rowdy moment for the audience.
Luke Bryan performs during “Farm Tour.” Photo: Eder Acevedo
One of the evening’s highlights came when Bryan stood alone on stage with an acoustic guitar. He traveled through a series of special songs, like “Buy Dirt,” which hit different on a field in beautiful, rural Kentucky, and “Country On.” He tipped his ball cap to the late Toby Keith with a performance of “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” which fans loved, and got everyone remembering their lost loved ones with “Drink A Beer.”
Bryan then reminded the crowd that his eighth studio album, Mind Of A Country Boy, would be coming out at midnight. “It’s the greatest album in the history of mankind,” he said with a wink.
“Do you like to deer hunt, Kentucky? Who likes to fish?” Bryan exclaimed to a rebel-yelled response. “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” was perhaps the crowd-favorite of the night.
To close out the fun, Bryan blitzed the crowd with hits “Kick The Dust Up,” “Play It Again” and “I Don’t Want This Night To End.” Before he disappeared onto dry ground, he closed with “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and sent everyone back to their cars, arm-in-arm singing some of the biggest hits of the last 20 years of country music.
Violinist Kristin Wilkinson To Be Honored As Next ‘Nashville Cat’
/by Lorie HollabaughClassically-trained violinist Kristin Wilkinson will be featured in the Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum’s in-depth interview series, “Nashville Cats” on Saturday, Nov. 16 in the museum’s Ford Theater.
Wilkinson grew up in Philadelphia and Ocean City, New Jersey, and began her music training at an early age, studying through her high school years with one of the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra’s violinists. She later parlayed that experience into playing fiddle in the pioneering all-women bluegrass band Buffalo Gals. One of her first big breaks in country music came when she had the opportunity to arrange strings for Alabama, with whom she collaborated on several albums.
One of Nashville’s most in-demand string arrangers, Wilkinson has accumulated hundreds of credits on country, rock and pop projects since the 1980s. She has contributed to recordings for Kenny Chesney, Steve Earle, Trisha Yearwood and Country Music Hall of Fame member Willie Nelson. For live performances, she has worked with Brandi Carlile, Regina Spektor and Chris Stapleton. In 2024, she collaborated with Greta Van Fleet to arrange the overture for the band’s world tour.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart employed Wilkinson to arrange strings on his albums and for special events, including his 2019 residency at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. She earned a Golden Globe nomination for composing the score to the film All the Pretty Horses (2000) alongside Stuart and Larry Paxton. Wilkinson has also done an extensive amount of work for TV, including arrangements for the CMA awards, the annual CMA Country Christmas television special and CMT’s Artists of the Year events.
The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and will be illustrated with vintage photos, film and recordings. “Nashville Cats” is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance.
Jamey Johnson Signs With Warner Music Nashville
/by Liza AndersonWarner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy & Jamey Johnson. Photo: David Bradley
Multi-Grammy nominee Jamey Johnson has signed with Warner Music Nashville through his record label, Big Gassed Records, and will release new song “Someday When I’m Old” this Friday (Oct. 4).
“The reason I signed with Warner Music Nashville is [Co-Chair & Co-President] Cris Lacy,” he shares. “She is one of my longest-term friends I’ve had in the music business. We started our careers around the same time. She has been a friend to me and has only ever tried to help.
“She cares about me being able to put out music,” Johnson continues. “She cares that I’m able to participate in my own career. Our conversations are unlike any other conversations I have had with any other label person.”
“For 14 years, those of us in the industry, and fans outside of it, have been begging Jamey Johnson to release another solo studio album,” says Lacy. “From day one, we heard the voice of a man driven by conviction, not commerciality. We saw in him our heroes like Johnny, Waylon and Merle. Warner Music Nashville has the great honor of reintroducing this incomparable artist to a worldwide audience…on his terms…proof that great things are worth waiting for!”
For his first release with the label, the Grand Ole Opry member is revisiting an old favorite. “Someday When I’m Old” has remained on Johnson’s mind since he sang on the song’s demo in 2004.
“It was the last demo I sang before I started working with BNA Records,” he notes of the tune penned by Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo and Troy Verges. “Aimee called me back then and she wanted to be able to say she hired me to sing my last demo. When I heard the song, I thought, ‘Wow! That is a great song!’ That one seems to be exactly where I am right now, thinking about what is to come 20 years down the line, 30 years down the line, if I even make it that long.”
Johnson has also released “21 Guns,” “What a View,” “Trudy” and “Sober” in recent months.
Opry’s 99th Birthday Celebration To Feature Shows, Special Events
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is gearing up for its big 99th birthday celebration with three nights of Opry shows plus daytime and evening special events on Oct. 10-13.
Performers helping celebrate the occasion will be Opry members Dailey & Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Lorrie Morgan and Rhonda Vincent, along with Riley Green, Chapel Hart, Gretchen Wilson and the Opry debut of singer/actress Katharine McPhee.
Fans are also invited to the Opry Plaza for free live music and family-friendly activities, presented by Country Financial, to celebrate the Opry’s birthday on Friday (Oct. 11) evening and all-day Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 12-13).
Ticketed events during the weekend also include a Karaoke Fundraiser with Chapel Hart in Studio A on Friday night following the Opry show, with proceeds supporting the Opry Trust Fund, which offers financial assistance to those in the country industry during times of crisis or emergency.
There will also be a Rhett Akins Birthday Tailgate Party in Studio A on Saturday at 2 p.m. The songwriter will perform some of his No. 1 hits along with fan-favorite country classics. Attendees can enjoy birthday cake and join in on the Opry’s 99th birthday festivities. Ticket add-ons and packages are available at Opry.com.
The Opry’s 99th Birthday Week celebration will conclude on Sunday (Oct. 13) with the third annual Opry Community Day, where Tennessee locals can enjoy the Opry’s backstage tour free of charge. Guests will get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at where country’s biggest stars and legends create history each week. Complimentary tours will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a valid Tennessee state ID. Guests can also enjoy live music, food and drinks and family-friendly fun on the Opry Plaza.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary
/by Liza AndersonLady A’s Charles Kelley performing with Better Than Ezra during Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2024. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Rain didn’t stop Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival’s 10th anniversary return to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee this past weekend (Sept. 28–29).
Allison Russell performing with Hozier during Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2024. Photo: Alive Coverage
Despite the two-hour opening delay on Saturday (Sept. 28), a sea of attendees lined the fences to enter the festival grounds. To ensure all artists were able to perform, organizers worked to restructure the schedule, with Chance Peña leading the charge on the Gold Record Road stage. Allison Russell also took that platform, where Saturday night’s headliner and her tourmate for the last 10 weeks, Hozier, made a guest appearance for a duet of “Requiem.” Returning the favor, Russell graced the Gold Record Road stage again in the evening to sing “Work Song” during Hozier’s set. The first day closed with a Dave Matthews Band performance on the Midnight Sun Stage. They invited out friend and festival co-billing act Trombone Shorty back on the stage to rock out, ending with a bang.
Produced by Better Than Ezra frontman Kevin Griffin, W. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan, the event also highlighted the work of various chefs, artisans, jewelers and brewers, among others.
Better Than Ezra’s fiery set continued a decade-long tradition on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 29). President & CEO of Gibson Cesar Gueikian jammed out during “Mystified” and Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” before gifting the guitar to a lucky winner. Charles Kelley of Lady A also popped up to join the band for a rendition of Bryan Adams’ “Summer Of ‘69.” Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion accompanied headliner NeedToBreathe for their song “Wasting Time.” The group also brought out Judah & The Lion members Judah Akers and Brian Macdonald for their hit “Brother.” Fans then migrated over to the Midnight Sun Stage to catch Noah Kahan. Marking the last performance of the weekend, Kahan stacked his set with tunes and a guest appearance from Ashe.
Additionally, the crowd experienced the musical stylings of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Lukas Nelson, The Brook & The Bluff, Coin, Stephen Sanchez, Myles Smith, Sierra Hull and more.
Noah Kahan headlining Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2024. Photo: Alive Coverage