Koe Wetzel has expanded his album The Night Champion just two weeks after its initial release with five new songs arriving for fans tomorrow (June 26).
The five-song expansion features added tracks “Magnet,” “Bad Decisions,” “Ronnie Ray,” “Rolling & Smoking” and “Meet You There,” which further showcase the hard-earned perspective and genre-bending approach that have earned Wetzel critical acclaim. In addition to the new album release, Wetzel’s collaboration with Corey Kent (“Rocky Mountain Low”) is currently sitting in the top 10 and climbing, and his latest single “Hurts Like You,” is already charting,
“Anyone who’s followed me for a while knows I’m not very good at calling it a night,” Wetzel shares. “With how much love the fans have been showing this album already – and knowing we had these additional songs we believe in just as much – we figured we’d go ahead and turn ’em loose while the night’s still young.”
Fans will have the chance to experience the new music live when “The Night Champion World Tour” launches its U.S. and Canadian leg on July 8 with Shane Smith & The Saints, Ole 60, Wyatt Flores, Corey Kent, Wade Bowen, Bayker Blankenship, Kolby Cooper and Logan Jahnke joining as support.
The Night Champion Track List:
Disc 1 (newly added songs)
1. “Magnet” (Ropyr Wetzel, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Rocky Block)
2. “Bad Decisions” (Ropyr Wetzel, Ashley Gorley, Steph Jones, Carrie K, Josh Serrato, Gabe Simon)
3. “Ronnie Ray” (Ropyr Wetzel, Josh Serrato, Carrie K, Gabe Simon, Aaron Ratiere)
4. “Rolling & Smoking” (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
5. “Meet You There” (Ropyr Wetzel, Josh Serrato, Gabe Simon, Carrie K)
Disc 2
1. “Sinner” (Ropyr Wetzel, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Steph Jones, Josh Serrato)
2. “Circus” (Sam Harris)
3. “Hurts Like You” (Ropyr Wetzel, Ashley Gorley, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Steph Jones)
4. “When I’m Gone” (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
5. “Time Goes On” (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
6. “Dollar and a Bottle” (Ropyr Wetzel, Carrie K, Nikki Lane, Gabe Simon)
7. “The Man” (Ropyr Wetzel, Nick Carpenter, Josh Serrato, Steve Rusch)
8. “Nowhere Fast” (Ropyr Wetzel, Ilsey Huber, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
9. “I’ll Lock Up” (Ropyr Wetzel, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
10. “Surrounded” (Ropyr Wetzel, Josh Serrato, Ashley Gorley, Gabe Simon)
11. “When I Was” (Ropyr Wetzel, Ilsey Huber, Gabe Simon, Josh Serrato, Carrie K)
Miranda Lambert Readies ‘Crisco’ For October
/by Lauryn SinkMiranda Lambert will release her new album, Crisco, on Oct. 2 via MCA.
The 12-track project, produced by Lambert with Jesse Frasure, explores heartbreak, hope, reflection and more. Lambert wrote the project alongside longtime collaborators Natalie Hemby, Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Aaron Raitiere, Josh Osborne and more.
“I’ve always loved every corner of country music,” Lambert shares. “The heartbreak songs, the honky-tonk songs, the songs that make you think and the songs that make you dance. Making this record reminded me that those things don’t have to be separated. We followed the songs wherever they wanted to go, trusted our instincts and ended up with something that feels really fun and really honest to who I am.”
Lambert has previewed the album with the title track and “A Song To Sing” with Chris Stapleton, and will release “Till The Going’s Gone” tomorrow (June 26).
Crisco Track List
1. “Snakeskin Boots”
2. “Crisco”
3. “Cowgirl Curtsy”
4. “Two Things Can Be True”
5. “Cuttin’ Onions”
6. “Till The Going’s Gone ”
7. “To Everything”
8. “Whiskey Business”
9. “Right Where We Left It”
10. “A Song To Sing (with Chris Stapleton)”
11. “I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song”
12. “Sunset Marquis”
BREAKING: ACM Unveils 2027 Awards Date
/by Lauryn SinkCody Johnson accepts the award for Male Artist of the Year at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Academy of Country Music will return to Las Vegas in 2027 for the 62nd Annual ACM Awards. Slated for May 16, tickets will go on sale this fall.
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards last month drove an estimated $53 million in total economic impact for the Las Vegas region.
The event generated $15.7 million in increased employee earnings and supported approximately 290 full-time equivalent jobs across industries ranging from television production and event operations to hospitality and transportation. Visitor spending accounted for $24.3 million of the total economic impact and generated $7.8 million in worker earnings and 147 full-time equivalent jobs. A full week of related concerts, brunches, dinners, pre-parties, after-parties, and fan and industry events generated an additional $4.5 million in economic activity for local hotels, restaurants, venues, and businesses throughout Las Vegas.
Hosted by Shania Twain, the 2026 show featured performances from Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Zach Top, Riley Green, Kacey Musgraves, Carter Faith and more.
Colby Acuff Plots Fall Run Of ‘Handmade Horsepower Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughColby Acuff. Photo: Ben Dunning
Colby Acuff is returning to the road in Aug. on his “Handmade Horsepower The Fall Tour.”
The fall run is the second leg of his 2026 album tour, and includes 29 shows from Aug.-Nov., kicking off in Brownstown, Indiana on Aug. 8. The tour will also include support on various dates for Charles Wesley Godwin and 49 Winchester, and will visit markets including Las Vegas, Little Rock, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Knoxville, Virginia Beach, and more through Nov. 22. Tickets are available for purchase here.
The tour supports Acuff’s seventh studio album Handmade Horsepower, which released over the past month, and was produced by Eddie Spear and written independently over six days back in his home state of Idaho. Raised on Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, and bluegrass in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Acuff has channeled his blue-collar upbringing into six studio albums spanning his 2020 debut Life of a Rolling Stone through 2025’s Enjoy The Ride, each one building and expanding his devoted fanbase.
“Handmade Horsepower The Fall Tour” Dates:
8/8 – Rock The Rind Music Festival (Brownstown, IN)
8/13 – Rialto Theatre (Tucson, AZ) w/ Charles Wesley Godwin
8/14 – The Van Buren (Phoenix, AZ) w/ Charles Wesley Godwin
8/20 – Higher Grounds (S. Burlington, VT) w/ Charles Wesley Godwin
8/21 – Higher Grounds (S. Burlington, VT) w/ Charles Wesley Godwin
8/22 – History (Toronto, ON) w/ Charles Wesley Godwin
8/27 – The Criterion (Oklahoma City, OK) w/ Charles Wesley Godwin
8/28 – Floore’s Country Store (Helotes, TX)
9/10 – Lulu’s Downtown (Colorado Springs, CO)
9/11 – Belly Up Aspen (Aspen, CO)
9/12 – Mead Community Day (Mead, CO)
9/17 – John’s Alley (Moscow, ID)
9/23 – Napa Music Hall (Napa, CA)
9/24 – Goldfield Trading Post (Roseville, CA)
9/25 – Felton Music Hall (Felton, CA)
9/26 – Stoney’s North Forty (Las Vegas, NV)
10/1 – The Hall (Little Rock, AR) w/ 49 Winchester
10/3 – Choctaw Casino (Grant, OK) w/ 49 Winchester
10/15 – A&R Music Bar (Columbus, OH)
10/16 – Neighborhood Theatre (Charlotte, NC)
10/17 – Stanczyks (Durham, NC)
11/5 – HIFI Indy (Indianapolis, IN)
11/6 – The Rave II (Milwaukee, WI)
11/7 – Wooley’s (Des Moines, IA)
11/12 – Revival (Asheville, NC)
11/13 – Open Chord Music (Knoxville, TN)
11/14 – The Woodward Theatre (Cincinnati, OH)
11/20 – Crafthouse Stage & Grill (Pittsburgh, PA)
11/21 – Elevation 27 (Virginia Beach, VA)
11/22 – Union Stage (Washington, DC)
Ana Cristina Cash Signs Management Agreement With Rebecca Warfield
/by Lauryn SinkRebecca Warfield and Ana Cristina Cash. Photo: Joseph Adivari
Ana Cristina Cash has signed a management agreement with Rebecca Warfield.
Cash released her bilingual album, The Sunshine State, on Jan. 30. She began her career at age six and signed with Sony Music Latin at just 15 years old. Since then, she has collaborated with Loretta Lynn and Latin superstars including Emilio Estefan Jr. and Chris Pérez of Selena y Los Dinos. She has appeared on stages including the White House, the Kennedy Center, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. Publishing representation for Cash will continue through BMG, while publicity services will remain with AristoPR.
“I met Ana 13 years ago and have been following her life and career ever since. She has always been a talented and hardworking singer and songwriter dedicated to her craft. I’m honored to be on board, joining forces in this next phase of her rapidly growing, multifaceted music career,” Warfield shares.
Warfield brings more than two decades of experience developing artists and companies in music and entertainment. She holds an MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio, where she sits on the board of the Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Sports and serves as an adjunct professor.
“Rebecca has an incredible ability to see the big picture while also understanding the unique qualities that make an artist stand apart,” says Cash. “Her experience, vision, and passion for developing talent make her the ideal partner as we continue building the next phase of my career.”
Jenna Paulette Extends ‘Back In The Saddle Tour’ Into Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughJenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Jenna Paulette is expanding her “Back In The Saddle Tour,” adding 15 new dates through fall 2026.
Aptly named to mark Paulette’s return to the road after spending 2025 navigating the ropes as a new mom, the tour will kick off on June 26 at Coupland Dancehall in Coupland, Texas, and includes stops at the Grand Ole Opry, Gruene Hall, eight additional dates in the Lone Star state, and more through Nov. 21.
“I am so excited to continue this tour this year and for the band and I to perform at some bucket list Honky Tonks,” says Paulette. “I love getting to meet so many people that also love country music and hearing which songs of mine they relate to most and making sure we work them into the set. There’s something so special about this time musically and when we’re playing live for you all, and I can’t wait to see you at a show.”
The rising artist released her 20-track Horseback (Deluxe) album earlier this year, and continues to tease new music, most recently releasing “High Noon,” which she debuted live at “The Academy of Country Music Presents: Whiskey Jam Welcome Party” in May in Las Vegas ahead of the 61st ACM Awards. “High Noon” arrived on the heels of Paulette earning her first No. 1 at Texas radio with “Steady,” which she credits her husband, Ross, for inspiring.
“Back In The Saddle Tour” Dates:
June 26 // Coupland, Texas // Coupland Dancehall w/ Hayden Baker
July 10 // Lebanon, Ohio // Bicentennial Park
July 11 // Woodland Park, Colo. // America’s Mountain Festival
July 17 // Belton, Texas // Schoepf’s BBQ w/ Sammy Arriaga
July 25 // Alpine, Texas // Viva Big Bend Pachanga
July 29 // Nashville, Tenn. // Grand Ole Opry
Aug 1 // Covington, Ga. // GA FFA Camp
Aug 8 // Meeker, Colo. // High Country Social
Aug 13 // San Angelo, Texas // House of FiFi Du Bois
Aug 14 // Tyler, Texas // Rick’s On the Square
Aug 15 // New Caney, Texas // Bull Sallas Park Showdown w/ Sundance Head & Jason Cassidy
Aug 23 // Denton, Texas // North Texas Fair & Rodeo
Aug 28 // New Braunfels, Texas // Gruene Hall w/ Jesse Raub Jr.
Aug 29 // Plano, Texas // Love & War in Texas
Oct 1 // Mt Pleasant, Texas // Titus County Fair
Nov 21 // Pittsburg, Kan. // Kansas Crossing Casino
Mack Geiger Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkMack Geiger. Photo: Landon Bonneville
Mack Geiger made his Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this week (June 23).
Geiger earned a standing ovation for his performance of “Hole In The Wall” and “String By.”
He released his debut EP, Walk A Straight Line, a six-song collection produced by Jared Adlam, earlier this month. The Central Queensland native grew up on cattle farms, and was influenced by 90s country. His 2025 track “String By” amassed 43 million global streams, hitting No. 3 on Spotify’s Viral 50 USA, No. 5 on the U.S. Country Shazam Chart, No. 32 on the Global Country Shazam Chart, and No. 50 on the Billboard Hot Country Chart. He also recently completed his first-ever U.S. headline run, the “New Dirt, Same Boots Tour.”
Ashlyn Dinsdale Goldspur Entertainment), Mack Geiger and Ken Dinsdale (Goldspur Entertainment). Photo: Landon Bonneville
Jamice Jennings (RECORDS Nashville), Mack Geiger, Joe Fisher (RECORDS Nashville) and Josh Easler (RECORDS Nashville). Photo: Landon Bonneville
Photo: Landon Bonneville
Photo: Landon Bonneville
Country Thunder Alberta Cancels 2026 Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe organization determined that conditions created by the City of Calgary, including active construction surrounding the festival site and new restrictive sound limitations, make it unworkable to stage the event for 2026. For several months, Country Thunder has worked to resolve a series of escalating infrastructure and regulatory challenges tied to the new arena development.
Despite sustained advocacy, conditions remain unresolved including traffic reduction of 9th Avenue and additional construction in the area; a loss of key site infrastructure required for functional festival operations; a last minute installation of a water line bypass pipe through areas designated for festival use; and a reduced decibel noise permit that prevents the event from operating at standard production levels. The cumulative impact of these factors made it impossible to successfully stage the event.
“We do not take this decision lightly,” says Kim Blevins, Executive Director, Country Thunder. “Our fans travel from across the country to be part of this experience and we owe them an event they can enjoy fully. The city-driven conditions in Calgary this year make that impossible. Proceeding would have meant compromising on not only safety but also the fan experience and that is not something we are willing to do. We want our fans to feel the music, lose themselves in it and leave having had the experience they paid for. The new sound limitations placed on this event would not have allowed us to deliver that experience.”
All ticket holders will receive a full refund. Fans with additional questions can contact Country Thunder Alberta here.
Bluebird Cafe & The Titans Reveal New Satellite Space At New Nissan Stadium
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Tennessee Titans and Bluebird Cafe announce the Bluebird East partnership at Titans House on June 23, 2026 in Nashville, TN. Photo: Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Bluebird Cafe have unveiled the new Nissan Stadium will feature Bluebird East, a new space inspired by the iconic Nashville venue.
The announcement came on Tuesday (June 23) during a special songwriters round featuring Rhett Akins and Jessi Alexander at Titans House, the new Nissan Stadium experience center in Germantown. Centered around supporting the songwriting community, the partnership includes the legendary venue’s first-ever satellite space as well as opportunities for upcoming songwriters to develop their talents and other community initiatives centered around music education.
Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop Hosts Grand Opening Celebration
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Dolly Parton
Hundreds of fans, travelers, community members and more gathered yesterday (June 24) in Cornersville, Tennessee to celebrate the official opening of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop.
To commemorate the official opening, Dolly Parton, Danny Nozell and Gregory H. Sachs joined together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located at exit 22 off of I-65, guests can enjoy merch, food, coffee and more.
“Well, the doors are open and I could not be prouder. Whether you are hauling loads, hauling the family, or just passing through, we built this place for you,” says Parton. “Good food, real rest, a little music, and people who are genuinely glad you stopped in…that’s what the road has always deserved, and that is what you will find here. Welcome home.”
“I am proud to open the doors on the flagship location of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop right here in the town I call home, Cornersville, Tennessee,” says Sachs, Partner at Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops. “When I approached Dolly’s manager, Danny Nozell, and shared the idea, Dolly and her team loved it right away. Her years of life on the road gave her a real understanding of what was missing out there, and she saw the chance to turn ordinary travel stops into a place built on Tennessee hospitality, worth stopping for, not just stopping at. Pairing the history this landmark location has with Dolly’s spirit establishes a high benchmark for our future locations.”
Koe Wetzel Expands New LP ‘The Night Champion’ With Five New Tracks
/by Lorie HollabaughKoe Wetzel has expanded his album The Night Champion just two weeks after its initial release with five new songs arriving for fans tomorrow (June 26).
The five-song expansion features added tracks “Magnet,” “Bad Decisions,” “Ronnie Ray,” “Rolling & Smoking” and “Meet You There,” which further showcase the hard-earned perspective and genre-bending approach that have earned Wetzel critical acclaim. In addition to the new album release, Wetzel’s collaboration with Corey Kent (“Rocky Mountain Low”) is currently sitting in the top 10 and climbing, and his latest single “Hurts Like You,” is already charting,
“Anyone who’s followed me for a while knows I’m not very good at calling it a night,” Wetzel shares. “With how much love the fans have been showing this album already – and knowing we had these additional songs we believe in just as much – we figured we’d go ahead and turn ’em loose while the night’s still young.”
Fans will have the chance to experience the new music live when “The Night Champion World Tour” launches its U.S. and Canadian leg on July 8 with Shane Smith & The Saints, Ole 60, Wyatt Flores, Corey Kent, Wade Bowen, Bayker Blankenship, Kolby Cooper and Logan Jahnke joining as support.
The Night Champion Track List:
Disc 1 (newly added songs)
1. “Magnet” (Ropyr Wetzel, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Rocky Block)
2. “Bad Decisions” (Ropyr Wetzel, Ashley Gorley, Steph Jones, Carrie K, Josh Serrato, Gabe Simon)
3. “Ronnie Ray” (Ropyr Wetzel, Josh Serrato, Carrie K, Gabe Simon, Aaron Ratiere)
4. “Rolling & Smoking” (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
5. “Meet You There” (Ropyr Wetzel, Josh Serrato, Gabe Simon, Carrie K)
Disc 2
1. “Sinner” (Ropyr Wetzel, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Steph Jones, Josh Serrato)
2. “Circus” (Sam Harris)
3. “Hurts Like You” (Ropyr Wetzel, Ashley Gorley, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Steph Jones)
4. “When I’m Gone” (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
5. “Time Goes On” (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
6. “Dollar and a Bottle” (Ropyr Wetzel, Carrie K, Nikki Lane, Gabe Simon)
7. “The Man” (Ropyr Wetzel, Nick Carpenter, Josh Serrato, Steve Rusch)
8. “Nowhere Fast” (Ropyr Wetzel, Ilsey Huber, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
9. “I’ll Lock Up” (Ropyr Wetzel, Gabe Simon, Carrie K, Josh Serrato)
10. “Surrounded” (Ropyr Wetzel, Josh Serrato, Ashley Gorley, Gabe Simon)
11. “When I Was” (Ropyr Wetzel, Ilsey Huber, Gabe Simon, Josh Serrato, Carrie K)