Romeo Entertainment Group Promotes Three & Hires Six

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Romeo Entertainment Group has made several staff promotions and additions. The talent buying and concert production company currently serves over 170 events across the U.S. and Canada in 35 states and 80 locations nationwide, catering to fairs, festivals, rodeos, casinos and corporate events.

Promotions at REG include Adriana “Dri” Valadez who has risen to Talent Buyer/Event Producer, Taylor Williamson who was promoted to Talent Buyer/Event Producer and Carly Dibble who was elevated to Talent Buyer/Event Producer.

Six new hires have been added to the REG team, including Scott Kernahan who joins as Talent Buyer/Event Producer and Briannon “Bree” Griffin who joins as Executive Assistant to RJ and Michelle Romeo. Chloe Dubrovay, Ali J. Stinehour, Alexandra “Alex” Hargiss and Grayce Keefer have all been hired as Event Coordinators.

Since 2021, Romeo Entertainment Group has seen a steady annual growth. They recently welcomed new clients including The State Fair of Texas, which boasts an average annual attendance of over 2.3 million people, and The San Diego County Fair, one of the largest and most successful county fairs in the nation. REG has increased its staff by 70% to help meet the growing demands due to the expansion of business.

“We are thrilled to announce the promotions of our dedicated team members and to welcome new talent to the Romeo Entertainment Group family,” says REG. “Each team member brings a unique set of skills and a passion for music that enriches our ability to deliver unforgettable experiences to our clients. These promotions and new hires reflect our ongoing commitment to growth and excellence. As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded of the legacy of innovation and leadership instilled by my grandfather, Don Romeo, and we continue to build on this foundation with a forward-thinking approach. I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication, which have been pivotal in driving our success and reaching new heights year after year.”

David Kalmusky Signs With Jonas Group Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): George Kreis, President Jonas Group Entertainment; David Kalmusky; Leslie DiPiero, President, Jonas Group Publishing and Kevin Jonas Sr, Founder, Jonas Group Entertainment. Photo: Cole Barneill

Multi-Platinum producer, songwriter, musician and mixer David Kalmusky has signed with Jonas Group Publishing.

Kalmusky has worked with artists including Shawn Mendes, Keith Urban, Warren Zeiders, Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood, Nate Smith, Tenille Townes, Joss Stone, Elle King, Mickey Guyton, John Legend, John Oates, Motley Crüe and more. As a writer, he’s penned songs with Mickey Guyton, Tenille Townes, Blessing Offor, Keb’ Mo’ and others. Altogether, the multi-hyphenate’s work has accumulated more than 20 billion global streams across all platforms.

“David is such a magical Unicorn that I would follow him down any musical path he wanted to journey on,” says Jonas Group Publishing President Leslie DiPiero. “David is a musician’s musician, a producer’s producer, and a songwriter’s undiscovered gem. We are grateful for his love of songwriting and developing talent.”

“I’m excited to begin this chapter on Music Row, in a historic space, signing with one of the biggest champions I’ve had in my career, Leslie DiPiero, and the incredible new family at Jonas Group Publishing,” shares Kalmusky. “We’ve hit the ground running, and every day feels more creative and exciting than the day before. I can’t wait to share this music with everybody!”

Kalmusky recently relocated his Addiction Sound Studio to Music Row. The move brings him back to his roots, as he is a third-generation music maker following in his father’s footsteps. Dad Kenny Kalmusky, one of the original band members of The Hawks, made records in both Woodstock, New York and Nashville in the late ’60s, with the likes of Ian & Sylvia, Todd Rundgren, Cowboy Jack Clement, Ronnie Hawkins, Jerry Reed and more.

“Creatives like David are the foundation of Music Row,” says Kevin Jonas Sr., Founder of Jonas Group Entertainment. “David has earned the trust and respect of musicians, songwriters and artists from every genre, and Leslie and I are thrilled the day is here that we get to work with him.”

St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council Welcomes New Members

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St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council

The St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council came together last week to welcome new members and review a record-setting year for the hospital’s music and audio fundraising efforts.

The council supports program initiatives and strategy for Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, which is one of the most successful music fundraising initiatives in the U.S. with over 200 radio, music and media partners. Each year, the music industry helps to raise more than $70 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council

Chair:
Carletta Blake — WGAR, Cleveland

Co-Chairs:
Lauren Thomas — Sony Music Nashville
Chris Schuler — UMG Nashville

Council Members:
Courtney Allen — Concord Music Publishing
Chuck Aly — Country Aircheck
Matt Bradley — KWEN, Tulsa (Cox)
Keith Cunningham — KLOS, Los Angeles
Robert Deaton — 24 Entertainment
John Dimick — Cumulus Media
Chip Dorsch — Red Light Management
Keith Gale — Good Company Entertainment
Jamie Graves — Warner Music Nashville
Phil Guerini — Jonas Group Entertainment
JoJamie Hahr — BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Debra Herman — Apple Music
Kurt Johnson — Townsquare Media
Jackie Jones — RIAA
Angela Lange — Q Prime
Don Langford — Entertainment Marketing Group of California
Crystal Legends — WRNS/Dick Broadcasting
Tom Lisack —  CBS Interactive (Entertainment)
Scott Mahalick —  Hubbard Radio
Rakiyah Marshall —  Back Blocks Music
Ali Matkosky — Relative Music Group
Mike McVay —  McVay Media Consulting
Darin Murphy —  CAA
Marcel Pariseau — True Public Relations
Tim Roberts — Audacy Country
Larry Rosin — Edison Research
Brittany Schaffer — Belmont University, Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
Ashley Sidoti — Big Machine Label Group
Froggy — iHeartMedia/WQIK, Jacksonville (Elvis Duran and the Morning Show)

PLA Media Taps Shelly Mullins As Sr. VP Of Marketing

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Shelly Mullins

Nashville-based publicity firm PLA Media has tapped Shelly Mullins as Senior Vice President of Marketing.

With more than 30 years spent in the music industry, Mullins brings knowledge of publicity, event production and promotion, royalty accounting, television production, studio management and booking to her new role.

She started her career as a full-time vocalist and keyboard player, and went on to hold positions at Kaleidoscope Media, Creative Workshop, High5 Television, William Morris and Cumulus Radio, among others. Mullins also founded her own publicity and marketing company, ProMO Image, over a decade ago, and was nationally recognized with the E.W. Scripps President’s Award for her work in television production in 2005.

“I have known of Shelly and her impressive pedigree,” says Pam Lewis, PLA Media Founder & President. “It’s good to have a brain trust again, and I am delighted to have her team up with me at PLA. T-wanda!”

“I’ve admired and known Pam Lewis for years and her work for even longer! I was a teenager [when I watched] the first broadcast of MTV from my living room. Like everyone else, I was glued to it from the moment the Buggles hit their first note until I left for college. It was a HUGE part of my life and contributed greatly to my love of music, and Pam was instrumental in the launch,” shares Mullins. “When I got to Nashville, Garth Brooks had exploded and it reshaped the entire industry, which Pam was also instrumental in doing, so her influence followed me into that era too. When the opportunity came along to work with her, I just had to take it. Life is truly amazing…especially when it feels like things have come full circle.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lainey Wilson Gives Us A ‘Summertime Smash’

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Lainey Wilson. Photo: Erick Frost

This month’s ACM Awards put a spotlight on several of today’s DISClaimer candidates.

Among the Top New Male and Female nominees were Kameron Marlowe and Kassi Ashton, both of whom have fine new sounds. Entertainer of the Year nominee Kane Brown shows a whole new side of his artistry with “Georgia on My Mind.” Artist/Songwriter of the Year nominee Hardy is paired today with Travis Denning. Songwriter of the Year nominee Chase McGill is present as a co-writer on that same collaboration.

And then there’s Lainey Wilson, wearing the ACM Female Vocalist sash and the Entertainer of the Year crown. She rules in DISClaimer, too, with our Disc of the Day.

Dust off a tiara for Kayley Green, too. She takes home a DISCovery Award.

HARPER GRACE / “Getaway”
Writers: Cooper Bascom/Harper Gruzins/Nate Kenyon/Tedd Tjornhom; Producers: Cooper Bascom/Tedd T.; Label: Curb Records
– Electro-pop meets country in this rushing, open-road blast of uptempo energy. Grace is a highly skilled vocal communicator, leaping effortlessly from the deep alto passages in the verses to the sunny soprano soaring in the choruses. The whole thing feels like warm summer wind in your face.

MIDLAND / “Old Fashioned Feeling”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jess Carson/Josh Osborne/Mark Wystrach/Matthew Dragstrem; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Machine Records
– Bittersweet barroom heartache, served with the group’s trademark California-country harmonies. A super strong comeback tune.

TRAVIS DENNING & HARDY / “Southern Rock”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Chase McGill/Travis Denning; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Guitar rock is dead on pop radio. All you’ll find there is diva singing, rap shouting and synthesized sounds, sometimes in the same single. What’s a rock lover to do? Country music is still about guitars, so that is where these Southern rockers head, proudly singing of their love for Skynyrd. Denning’s guitar states its case, as do both vocalists. Rock on, bro’s.

KANE BROWN / “Georgia On My Mind”
Writers: Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Brown demonstrates his talent for crooning on this string-embellished revival of a much-loved pop standard. He holds his own by comparison with well-known prior versions by Mildred Bailey (1932), Ray Charles (1960), Willie Nelson (1978) and Michael Bolton (1990).

KAYLEY GREEN / “Live Fast Die Pretty”
Writers: Joey Hyde/Kayley Green/Kylie Sackley; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Green is a Lower Broadway veteran who is a regular entertainer at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row honky-tonk. She was heard there by Keith Urban, who invited her to sing with him at Bridgestone Arena. That’s where she got Sony’s attention, and, voila, a rocking major-label single. It’s a little over-produced, but shows great promise.

PAUL OVERSTREET / “All I Ever Wanted To Be (Was A Cowboy)”
Writers: Christopher Harris/Paul Overstreet/Steve Thomas; Producer: Paul Overstreet/Christopher Harris; Label: Horsefly Music
– This stone-country cowboy outing salutes legendary rodeo champion Jack Roddy. Accompanied by a loping western beat and sighing steel, Overstreet still sings with a warm heart.

LOUIE THESINGER / “Desperado”
Writers: Bordeaux/Jake Angel/Luis Alfonso Palacios II/Non Native/Xzavier; Producers: Bordeaux/Non Native/Xzavier/Jake Angel; Label: UMG Nashville
– He’s a Mexican-American stylist who sounds confident and cool on this moody portrait of an outsider. The song seems to meander aimlessly despite its repetitive lyric. He needs better material.

LAINEY WILSON / “Hang Tight Honey”
Writers: Driver Williams/Jason Nix/Lainey Wilson/Paul Sikes; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Wilson premiered this new tune on The Voice. Its a snappy hillbilly rocker that comes on with whiplash energy and wildfire heat. The lady rules, and this is a summertime smash.

ALEX MILLER / “My Daddy’s Dad”
Writers: Alex Miller/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Miller is a marvelously expressive country vocalist, and this heart-warming word portrait is right up his alley. Father’s Day is approaching, so this ode to a loved granddad couldn’t be more timely. Deserving of many spins.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “I Can Run”
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Oscar Charles/Ben Roberts; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Records
– This is the focus track from Marlowe’s sophomore album Keepin’ the Lights On. I have said many times before how much I love his emotional singing. Backed by a rhythmic thump and sympathetic guitar work, he is splendid on this tune of a troubled soul. No one deserves stardom more.

KASSI ASHTON / “I Don’t Wanna Dance”
Writers: Oscar Charles/Kassi Ashton/Emily Landis; Producers: Luke Laird/Kassi Ashton/Oscar Charles; Label: MCA Records
– I dig the bluesy vibe in her alto delivery. The midtempo meditation is sultry and inviting, but, “I don’t wanna dance/If I ain’t dancin’ with you.” So back off, buddy.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “21 Guns”
Writers: Jamey Johnson/Jim Brown; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Big Gassed Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Johnson premiered this on the PBS Memorial Day concert special. Which was so fitting, because the song is literally about Memorial Day. The somber ballad salutes a fallen young soldier. The singer is a former Marine, himself, and means every last word of this moving meditation. Intense and powerful.

BREAKING: Big Loud Promotes Patch Culbertson To EVP/GM

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Patch Culbertson. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Big Loud Records has elevated Patch Culbertson to EVP/GM, effective immediately. He is now the company’s first Executive Vice President, and will report directly to Big Loud partners Seth England, Joey Moi and Craig Wiseman.

“Patch has been a critical part of Big Loud’s success for over seven years now,” England says. “He’s a brilliant strategist with an unmatched ability to process information and make sound decisions. Patch is a true leader that’s continued to invest in this company with his time and expertise, and his impact can’t be underestimated. This promotion is well-earned.”

“What sets Patch apart as a GM is that he—like all of us at Big Loud—continues to keep songs first,” Moi adds. “He applies his analytics brain and his firsthand understanding of artists and how they work best to every circumstance, while balancing the growth of our company. We’re grateful for his continued leadership.”

Culbertson first joined Big Loud Records as VP of A&R in 2017 and rose to SVP/GM of the label in 2021. Prior to joining Big Loud, he spent eight years at Republic Records, rising to Director of A&R at their New York headquarters.

In his elevated role, Culbertson will continue to oversee day-to-day operations, strategizing on commercial tactics and helping to expand the creative development of the Big Loud Records roster, which includes Ashley Cooke, Charles Wesley Godwin, Dallas Smith, Dylan Gossett, Ernest, Griffen Palmer, Hailey Whitters, Hardy, Hixtape, Jake Worthington, Larry Fleet, Lauren Alaina, Lauren Watkins, Lily Rose, MacKenzie Porter, Maggie Rose, Morgan Wallen, Shawn Austin, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Zandi Holup.

“I am immensely proud of the accomplishments of our roster and staff these past seven years,” Culbertson shares. “It is a privilege to serve these artists and work alongside a best-in-class team that is writing its own chapter in music history. A special thank you to Seth, Joey, Craig, and [Big Loud COO] Austen [Adams] for their support and leadership. They continue to show the world how to win with integrity, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

UMPG Nashville Adds TC Courtney To A&R Team

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TC Courtney. Photo: Trey Bonner

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has hired TC Courtney as Manager, A&R. Based in Nashville, Courtney will report to UMPG Nashville Chair and CEO Troy Tomlinson.

Courtney joins UMPG from Big Machine Music, where he served for four years in publishing A&R. The New England native has also held positions at Brentwood Benson Music and BMI.

“We are so excited to have TC join our A&R team,” Tomlinson shares. “He brings publishing experience, a fresh perspective, and energy that will complement our A&R staff. His love and appreciation for songwriters make him the perfect fit for us.”

At UMPG, Courtney will be responsible for scouting and developing new talent, as well as helping build opportunity and value for the existing roster of songwriters.

Of the new role, Courtney shares, “I believe that the best publishers are those who prioritize the development and support of songwriters above all else. UMPG’s unparalleled commitment to these values has made them a global leader in music publishing, and I am grateful to join a team whose ultimate priority is to preserve, protect and honor the Nashville songwriting community.”

Big Machine Label Group To Host Pop-Up Event During CMA Fest

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Big Machine Label Group will host a free pop-up event at Lainey Wilson’s new Bell Bottoms Up bar during this year’s CMA Fest.

Throughout the three-day function, fans will be able to meet as well as enjoy acoustic performances by Brett Young, Brantley Gilbert, Midland, Jackson Dean, Conner Smith, Chase McDaniel, Mae Estes, Greylan James, Noah Hicks and more.

Meet-and-greets will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. To be guaranteed entry and skip the line, fans can obtain fast pass wristbands with a $25 donation to the Music Has Value Fund. The wristbands will be available Wednesday, June 5 from 1 p.m.–5 p.m. at the Big Machine Distillery. For more information, click here.

Full Schedule:

Thursday, June 6
11 a.m. – Conner Smith
12 p.m. – Jackson Dean
1 p.m. – Brett Young

Friday, June 7
11 a.m. – Shaylen & Noah Hicks
12 p.m. – Brantley Gilbert
1 p.m. – CreatiVets

Saturday, June 8
11 a.m. – Greylan James & Chase McDaniel
12 p.m. – Midland
1 p.m. – Mae Estes

Musicians On Call’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Raises Over $380K

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Pictured (L–R): Charles Esten, Trisha Yearwood, Rondal Richardson, Kelsea Ballerini and Pete Griffin. Photo: Heather Durham Photography

Musicians On Call (MOC) held its “Anthems of Healing” 25th anniversary celebration on May 22 at Marathon Music Works, and raised over $380,000 to continue its mission of delivering the healing power of music to patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments.

Members of the Nashville community and music industry gathered at the special event, which was emceed by Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton of Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. Guests were treated to live performances by Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Charles Esten, Tiera Kennedy and one of the night’s honorees, Kelsea Ballerini. Volunteer musician Abigail Rose opened the show with a performance showcasing her time visiting hospital patients at their bedside.

Scotty McCreery & Raffaella Braun. Photo: Heather Durham Photography

During the celebration, Yearwood presented her friend and longtime MOC supporter Rondal Richardson with the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele. Richardson, who is the Senior Entertainment & Donor Relations Liaison for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, has been an advocate for MOC’s mission since it first came to Nashville. Actor, singer-songwriter, MOC Board member and volunteer Esten introduced Ballerini as the night’s Music Heals Golden Ukulele recipient. Following her acceptance speech, she brought the crowd to its feet during her performance, leading a sing-a-long of crowd favorite “You’ve Got A Friend.”

The organization also recognized the contributions of two of its volunteers, Raffaella Braun and Sarah Harralson, with the first awards named after its co-founders. Braun was presented with the Vivek J. Tiwary Volunteer Guide Golden Ukulele by her friend, hitmaker Scotty McCreery. She has been a volunteer guide for MOC since 2016, and has visited more than 17,000 people in the hospital. Fellow volunteer musicians Tigirlily Gold presented Harralson with the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele. She began volunteering in 2015, and has performed for over 19,000 people through the organization.

“We could not have asked for a more extraordinary night kicking off Musicians On Call’s 25th anniversary! To have such iconic artists joining us in honoring the great champions our mission has in Kelsea and Rondal, and the commitment of our volunteers Raffaella and Sarah, meant the world to our organization,” shares Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President & CEO. “Throughout the rest of the year, MOC will be celebrating the most memorable songs and moments that have touched patients, family members and caregivers over our 25-year history.”

Sarah Harralson with the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele. Photo: Melanie Dunn

Alan Jackson To Return To The Road

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Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson will return to the road with a continuation of his “Last Call: One More For The Road Tour,” starting on Friday, Aug. 2 in Boston.

The journey made stops for standing-room-only crowds in sold-out arenas nationwide in 2022. This year, it will hit an initial list of 10 arenas across America, each marking the last time he’ll ever perform his hits live in that city and surrounding areas.

Jackson’s touring was affected by his diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disorder, a degenerative nerve condition that causes abnormalities in the nerves that supply the feet, legs, hands and arms, thereby affecting his motor and sensory nerves. The “Last Call: One More For The Road Tour” will feature the country icon giving it all for the fans.

“Fans know when they come to my shows, they’re going to hear the songs that made me who I am—the ones they love,” Jackson says. “I’ve been touring for over 30 years—my daughters are all grown, we have one grandchild and one on the way…and I’m enjoying spending more time at home. But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I’m going to give them the best show I can for this ‘Last Call.'”

All tickets will go on sale Friday, June 7. VIP experiences will also be available. A dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to the CMT Research Foundation. For more information, click here.

“Last Call: One More For The Road Tour” Dates:
Friday, Aug. 2 – Boston, MA (TD Garden)
Saturday, Aug. 24 – Grand Rapids, MI (Van Andel Arena)
Saturday, Sept. 28 – Fayetteville, AR (Bud Walton Arena)
Saturday, Oct. 26 – Kansas City, MO (T-Mobile Center)
Saturday, Nov. 16 – Salt Lake City, UT (Delta Center)
Saturday, Jan. 18 – Oklahoma City, OK (Paycom Center)
Saturday, Feb. 15 – Fort Worth, TX (Dickies Arena)
Friday, March 7 – Orlando, FL (Kia Center)
Saturday, April 26 – Tampa, FL (Amalie Arena)
Saturday, May 17 – Milwaukee, WI (Fiserv Forum)