Koe Wetzel To Kick Off 45-City ‘Night Champion World Tour’ In May

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Koe Wetzel. Photo: John Park

Koe Wetzel is returning to the road this summer on “The Night Champion World Tour.”

The 45-city headlining run will also include Shane Smith & The Saints, Ole 60, Wyatt Flores, Corey Kent, Wade Bowen, Bayker Blankenship, Kolby Cooper and Logan Jahnke as support across varying dates. The trek throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia will feature stops in Tacoma, Boston, Austin, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Knoxville, and many more through Oct. 30, with a Nashville date at Bridgestone Arena set for Aug. 8.

Fans can register for early access to tickets for the U.S. dates of the tour here. Artist presale starts March 10, with general on sale for all North American dates beginning March 13. Australian dates are on sale now.

“It’s kind of crazy that I’m not dead or in jail with everything that’s gone on in my life,” says Wetzel. “Coming into 2026 and this tour, I feel like I’m the best version of myself I’ve ever been. I survived the night side of me. I’m coming out of it a champion.”

Wetzel’s live show has grown from Texas dive bars to sold-out amphitheaters and arenas nationwide, drawing more than 250,000 fans on his 2024 “Damn Near Normal Tour” alone. The upcoming tour promises to deliver new tracks like “Surrounded” and “Time Goes On” plus 2025’s most-played song at country radio, the triple Platinum, five-week No. 1 “High Road,” and fan favorites including “February 28, 2016.”

BREAKING: Academy Of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside Exiting Organization

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Damon Whiteside. Photo: Katie Kauss

The Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside will exit the company after six-and-a-half years of leadership. Whiteside will remain CEO through June 30, 2026 and then will continue serving as the CEO Emeritus for the remainder of this year.

During his tenure, Whiteside increased ACM membership to the largest and most diverse in its history and strengthened the organization’s profitability, with 2025 profits increasing 150% and 2026 profits projected to grow another 140%. The Academy relocated from Los Angeles to Nashville. Whiteside also expanded the ACM franchises to include ACM Our Country, ACM 60th Gala, ACM Party for a Cause Nashville, ACM Wine & Country at Hearst Castle, and the annual Charley Pride Inclusion Brunch co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios, as well as returned the ACM Honors to broadcast.

Through ACM Lifting Lives, the organization’s philanthropic partner, Whiteside helped harness the strength of the Country Music community to support industry members in need by raising and distributing over $4 million via a COVID Response Fund and generating over $1.3 Million in annual fundraising over the past year through new events and partnerships.

In addition to serving as CEO of the Academy of Country Music, Whiteside also executive produced ACM Honors, ACM Our Country and ACM Awards, which he repositioned into a streaming-first event. Most recently, he produced the sold-out 60th Anniversary ACM Awards hosted by Reba McEntire, which delivered more than 70% year-over-year live viewership growth for Amazon Prime Video and featured the final televised awards show performance by Alan Jackson.

“Damon’s forward-thinking vision and leadership not only strengthened ACM’s connection to the Country Music community and industry, but also allowed us to attract new audiences around the world. The ACM Board is beyond thankful for his partnership, dedication, and passion which have set the organization up for continued success and impact well into the future,” says Cris Lacy, Chair, ACM Board of Directors.

“I am proud of everything we have accomplished together in my time at the Academy of Country Music. I am thankful for the amazing team that I have mentored and learned from, our many strategic partners that have helped us continue to innovate, as well as the ACM and ACM Lifting Lives Boards for their leadership that will guide the Academy into its bright future,” adds Whiteside. “I believe that I am leaving ACM in a better place with stability and security that will allow the organization to continue to grow and reach new heights. I am excited for my next act as I explore my passions and continue to learn and create impact in the entertainment industry.”

ACM’s Board of Directors has formed a search committee to identify his successor.

Ian Munsick To Open Cowboy Bar & Western Grill In Deadwood

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Ian Munsick’s Cowboy Bar & Western Grill Interior Rendering

Ian Munsick and The Landmark Hotel & Casino are partnering to open the Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill in August in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Built between 1894-1920, The Landmark is Deadwood’s largest historic structure at approximately 35,000 square feet. The Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill will reside within over 2,600 square feet of the building, and will feature old school bar decor along with two performance stages, indoors and outdoors, for plenty of live music. A recording studio is also being designed that will be housed in the space as well.

Ian Munsick’s Cowboy Bar & Western Grill Exterior Rendering

“Country stars and bars, it’s a tale as old as time. I’m beyond excited to announce the opening of Ian Munsick’s Cowboy Bar & Western Grill.” shares Munsick. “The brainchild of my wife, Caroline, you won’t find a better place to have a beer or three than our new oasis of the West. Live music, great food, and most importantly, all the authentic western vibes that makes everyone love a real cowboy bar. Deadwood just got a little better!”

Ian Munsick and Alec Keating (Partner, The Landmark Hotel & Casino) at The Landmark Hotel & Casino where the Ian Munsick Bar & Western Grill will open in August 2026. Photo: The Landmark Hotel & Casino

“The Landmark Hotel & Casino family welcomes Ian and his fans to a classic, best-in-region cowboy bar experience with great drinks, food and music,” says Gerard Keating, Managing Partner of The Landmark Hotel & Casino. “We’re excited to see this continue to expand, as a recording studio in adjacent space is also under design.”

The Landmark venture news comes as Munsick continues to tease a new chapter of upcoming music, recently debuting the video for his latest single, “Geronimo.” “Geronimo” is his first release via West To The Rest Records/Triple Tigers Records. He is currently in the midst of his “Eagle Flies Free Tour,” which kicked off on Feb. 13 in Charlotte and features upcoming stops in Spokane, Fargo, Durant, and more.

Drake Milligan Adds European Dates To ‘Tumbleweed World Tour’

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Drake Milligan. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Drake Milligan had added new European dates to his fall schedule on the “Tumbleweed World Tour,” which kicked off in November 2025.

These new stops include Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and more. Throughout the year, Milligan will play across Canada, Europe, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.

He was recently joined by Shania Twain for a duet on “I’ll Be Here With You.,” which is featured on The Gray House (Original Soundtrack From the Amazon Series).

Milligan released his sophomore album, Tumbleweed, on Nov. 7. He shared stages with Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and more last year.

Additional “Tumbleweed World Tour” Dates:
Sep 6, 2026 – Antwerp, BEL – Openluchttheater Rivierenhof
Sep 8, 2026 – Stuttgart, GER – Im Wezemann
Sep 9, 2026 – Munich, GER – Tonhalle
Sep 14, 2026 – Cologne, GER – Carlswerk Victoria
Sep 15, 2026 – Utrecht, NET – TivoliVredenburg – Ronda
Sep 18, 2026 – Gronigen, NET – De Oosterpoort
Sep 19, 2026 – Copenhagen, DEN – Vega (Small Room)
Sep 20, 2026 – Stockholm, SWE – Nalen
Sep 22, 2026 – Helsinki, FIN – House of Culture
Sep 24, 2026 – Oslo, NOR – Rockefeller Music Hall
Nov 17, 2026 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
Nov 18, 2026 – Bristol, UK – Electric Bristol
Nov 20, 2026 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo
Nov 21, 2026 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy
Nov 22, 2026 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy Glasgow
Nov 24, 2026 – Dublin, IRE – Vicar Street
Nov 25, 2026 – Belfast, UK – Ulster Hall

Tucker Wetmore Extends ‘The Brunette World Tour’

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Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster

Tucker Wetmore has extended his “The Brunette World Tour,” adding 17 new dates to the run.

Wetmore will be joined by Maddox Batson, William Beckmann, George Birge, Jacob Hackworth, Braxton Keith and Stella Lefty for select dates.

Tickets go on sale Friday (March 6) following the artist presale, which begins on Wednesday (March 4).

“This tour has already been more than I ever imagined,” shares Wetmore. “Getting to add more dates and head back out West to play some bucket-list venues is something I’m really grateful for and I can’t wait to keep it rolling.”

The tour extension follows Wetmore’s announcement of his upcoming track, “Sunburn,” set to release on March 13.

A full list of “The Brunette World Tour” dates is available here.

The Brunette World Tour Newly Announced Dates:
June 21, 2026 in Uncasville, Conn. at Mohegan Sun !+
July 2, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta at Cowboys Music Festival
July 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Ind. at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park !+
Aug. 14, 2026 in La Vista, Neb. at The Astro Amphitheatre %+
Aug. 20, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at Gallagher Square at Petco Park @#
Aug. 21, 2026 in Saratoga, Calif. at The Mountain Winery @#
Aug. 22, 2026 in Paso Robles, Calif. at Vina Robles Amphitheatre @#
Aug. 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif. at Greek Theatre @#
Sept. 15, 2026 in Knoxville, Tenn. at Homer Hamilton Amphitheater
Sept. 18, 2026 in Chicago, Ill. at The Salt Shed @#
Sept. 19, 2026 in Detroit, Mich. at Masonic Temple @#
Sept. 20, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa. at Stage AE @#
Oct. 2, 2026 in Wichita, Kan. at WAVE $+
Oct. 3, 2026 in Waukee, Iowa at Vibrant Music Hall $+
Oct. 23, 2026 in Mesa, Ariz. at Mesa Amphitheatre +=
Oct. 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas +=
Oct. 27, 2026 in Morrison, Colo. at Red Rocks Amphitheatre +=

! with special guest Maddox Batson
@ with special guest William Beckmann
$ with special guest George Birge
% with special guest Braxton Keith
+ with special guest Jacob Hackworth
# with special guest Stella Lefty
= with surprise guest

MusicRow Magazine Releases 2026 Women Of Music Row Issue

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MusicRow Magazine proudly unveils its second-ever Women of Music Row Issue, a special edition dedicated to the women shaping Nashville’s music industry. This year, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Alexandra Kay graces the cover.

With over 8.7 million social media followers, Kay, who starred on Netflix’s series Westside, has earned critical acclaim from People, American Songwriter and Billboard, among others. Her debut project, All I’ve Ever Known, reached No. 1 on the iTunes All Genre and Country charts globally and earned her a spot in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Current Country Album, Emerging Artist and HeatSeeker charts, independently. Kay recently released her sophomore album, Second Wind, and closed out her third headlining tour of 2025. Featuring her debut single “Straight For The Heart” that has been lighting up her live show, the electrifying new anthem impacted country radio among the most added, joining the company of Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood in the Top 5 for most first-week stations by a debut solo female artist.

Inside MusicRow’s Women of Music Row Issue, industry leaders and artists share their insights and experiences. Alexandra Kay, Emily Ann Roberts, Kassi Ashton, Lauren Watkins and MacKenzie Carpenter join forces for a roundtable discussion that reflects on their experience in the music business. Industry veteran Lou Taylor shares insights on the recently appointed all-female c-suite of Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.

Also in this issue, Tucker Wetmore and his female-led team reflect on the impact of the women behind his rapid rise to stardom. Juanita Copeland talks leading Sound Emporium and her 30-year tenure with the company, and Ebie McFarland shares insights from her two decades guiding some of country music’s most enduring careers

This issue also recognizes the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2026: Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone and Elisa Vazzana.

“For decades, Music Row has been built by women whose influence reaches far beyond titles or job descriptions,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “They are the strategists, the storytellers, the risk-takers, the leaders who shape the culture, commerce and creative soul of this industry every day. Their impact is woven into every corner of Nashville’s music community, and this print issue is our opportunity to honor that truth.”

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2026 Women of Music Row Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $25, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

On The Row: Rissi Palmer Shares New ‘Perspectives’

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Rissi Palmer recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share a few songs and stories from her latest project, Perspectives.

The four-song EP marks the first project release since 2019 for the Apple Music Country show Color Me Country. Produced by Shannon Sanders, the project includes two original tracks alongside two covers.

The first original Palmer shared with the team, “Old Black Southern Woman” was inspired by a conversation with co-writer Kyshona Lamiere about realizing she is past the age her mother was when she passed away.

MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell; Rissi Palmer; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

“I’m realizing now how much she missed,” Palmer said. “We always think about how bad it is to get old, but how lucky we are to see the people we love grow up and grow up [ourselves]. I wanted to write a song from that perspective.”

Palmer also shared, “Good To Me,” a track she started five years ago in Los Angeles with Hilton Wright II, and finished last year with Sanders.

“I was 29 when I got married and am 44 now. What 29 year old Rissi wanted [in a relationship] is very different from what 44 year old Rissi wants. I [just want the] simple, but very important things.”

Palmer and journalist Kelly McCartney are co-editors of the forthcoming children’s book, Color Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music, illustrated by Grammy-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens. Designed for readers ages 10 and up, the book highlights the overlooked contributions of Black women in country music, with all proceeds benefiting the Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund. The book is set for release in May.

Palmer is set to share more music and tour dates in the coming months.

YouTube video

 

Blake Pendergrass Tops MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Blake Pendergrass

Blake Pendergrass has taken the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Pendergrass’ current charting cuts include Morgan Wallen’s “20 Cigarettes,” “Don’t We” and “I Got Better,” Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis’ “Ain’t A Bad Life,” Tucker Wetmore’s “Brunette,” and Vincent Mason’s “Wish You Well.” This marks Pendergrass’ first week at No. 1 in chart history.

Randy Montana moves to No. 2 with “Change My Mind,” “Make A Liar,” “Sleepless In A Hotel Room,” and “Time’s Ticking.” Chase McGill sits at No. 3 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long,” “McArthur,” “the hell you are,” and “Water At A Wedding.”

Ty Myers (No. 4) and Zach Bryan (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Megan Moroney Debuts At No. 1 On Billboard 200

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Megan Moroney‘s Cloud 9, released Feb. 20, has debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200. This marks Moroney’s first time leading the chart.

“Not to be cliche but I’m on cloud 9!” shares Moroney. “I have to give credit to my fans, they’re the best in the world. To have them embrace an album like this is a dream come true. I can’t wait till we’re screaming these songs together on THE CLOUD 9 TOUR!”

The project clinched 147,000 equivalent album units in its first week, including 78,000 album sales and 69,000 streaming equivalent album units (SEA). Cloud 9 gives Moroney her highest first-week sales to date, and also has the highest first-week in total consumption for any country artist so far this year.

Cloud 9 includes the Gold-certified hit “6 Months Later,” Billboard 100 charting single “Beautiful Things,” collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Kacey Musgraves, and viral fan favorites. The album also entered Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart at the No. 1 spot as well as was the top-selling physical album of the week.

Opry Celebrates 25th Anniversary Of ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’

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All-Cast Performances of
“Angel Band” and “I’ll Fly Away”

The Grand Ole Opry, Lost Highway Records, and T Bone Burnett celebrated the 25th anniversary of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack at a special Opry evening of music on Feb. 28.

Performers for the tribute show included Opry members Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Del McCoury Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, and The Whites along with guests Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters, Mike Compton, Dennis Crouch, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, The Fairfield Four, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Sarah Jarosz, Chris Thomas King, Colin Linden, Tim Blake Nelson, Billy Strings, Dan Tyminski, and Molly Tuttle. 

Lost Highway marked the soundtrack anniversary by releasing a vinyl gatefold edition on Feb. 20. The anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year with a series of special events and activations.