The Grand Ole Opry is continuing its “Summer Of The Century” celebration with a special July 14 show celebrating Opry member Jamey Johnson’s birthday.

Friends of Johnson’s scheduled to perform include Opry member Bill Anderson, ERNEST, Randy Houser, Tracy Lawrence, Ruby Leigh, Lilly Meola, Andy Whatley & Co. and more. Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest country songwriters of his generation. He is one of only two people in the history of country music (along with Kris Kristofferson) to win two Song of the Year awards in the same year, for “Give It Away” and “In Color” from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.

A consummate storyteller, Johnson’s songs have been recorded by George Strait, Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, James Otto, Joe Nichols and others. The RIAA recently honored him for sales/streams of 9 million, including the 5x Platinum “In Color,” the 2x Platinum album That Lonesome Song, the Platinum single “High Cost of Living,” the Gold-certified “Between Jennings and Jones” and the Gold single “That Lonesome Song.”

The Opry’s “Summer of the Century” will continue with a ’90s country celebration, backstage tours, and a weekly Outdoor Concert Series and more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Lauren Mascitti has signed with North Chapel Music.

The Louisville, Ohio native began writing songs at age seven and later performed six nights a week in Branson, Missouri alongside gospel legend and original Oak Ridge Boy Gary McSpadden. She first garnered attention during her run on American Idol. Mascitti released her Out of the Blue EP last year.

“We are honored to welcome Lauren to the North Chapel Music family,” says Benny Brown, owner of North Chapel Music. “Lauren is a gifted songwriter with an incredible ability to communicate truth, emotion, and life experience through her music. Her artistry and work ethic make her a perfect fit for what we’re building.”

“From the minute I walked in the doors at North Chapel, I felt at home,” shares Mascitti. “Creatively and spiritually. Getting to work with such an amazing staff and writers that I also call my friends is the ultimate dream come true. God is so good, and I’m so grateful to be here.”

615 Indie Live has expanded into a year-round showcase series.

The series will rotate among Nashville’s independent venues each month, culminating each February with the annual 615 Indie Live festival. The inaugural showcase will take place this Friday (June 26) at The 5 Spot and feature performances by Joey Beesley, Jon Worthy and The Dandos. The next installment is scheduled July 20 at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, featuring Fly By Night and Low Ground.

“615 Indie Live has always been about more than a single day of music,” says Chris Cobb, Director of the Music Venue Alliance Nashville. “It’s about building a culture of support around the independent venues and artists that make Nashville special. This showcase series gives music fans a simple, affordable way to support those venues year-round while discovering some of the incredible local talent that’s shaping the future of Music City.”

“There are artists playing arenas and festivals today who once played rooms like this for a handful of people,” adds Todd Sherwood, Owner of The 5 Spot. “Independent venues are where those stories begin. We’re proud to help launch a series that reminds people how important these spaces are, not just for artists, but for the entire Nashville community.”

Tickets are available here.

Singer-songwriter Pia Toscano has signed an exclusive label deal with Melody Place.

Toscano first gained national attention as a contestant on Season 10 of American Idol, where her strong performances and stage presence made her a fan favorite. She has toured with the American Idols Live! Tour and performed alongside international stars such as Jennifer Lopez in her Las Vegas residency. She has also worked closely with renowned musicians including David Foster and Andrea Bocelli.

In 2021, she released her holiday album Christmas With You, which reached the top of its category charts. The following year, she released I’m Good, her first album of original music, featuring a collaboration with Usher.

“I’m incredibly excited to be releasing this next chapter of music with Melody Place,” says Toscano. “After years of navigating this industry, it feels so good to finally have a team that is fully invested… not only in the music, but in me as an artist and person. There’s something really powerful about being surrounded by people who believe in your vision as deeply as you do, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been creating together.”

“Pia Toscano is one of the greatest vocals talents alive today,” adds Sandy McGraw, President/General Manager of Melody Place. “Anyone who’s ever seen her perform would agree with that. At Melody Place, we’re always striving to surround ourselves with the most talented people in the room. We’ve now done that… Pia is not only talented, but also genuinely kind, she has so much love and thoughtfulness to share with the world, so it’s exciting to help her write this next chapter and allow the world to hear the amazing new music and direction she’s going.”

Toscano will release her new single “Redirected” on July 10, with more singles to follow throughout 2026 and 2027.