Darius Rucker’s ‘Songs Of Summer Tour’ To Kick Off In June

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Darius Rucker. Photo: Christie Goodwin

Darius Rucker will head out this summer on his 20-city “Songs of Summer Tour,” beginning June 4 in Toledo, Ohio.

Special guests Lauren Alaina, George Birge, Evan Honer, Old Crow Medicine Show, Robert Randolph and Austin Williams will join Rucker on the new tour, which will visit Atlantic City, Boston, Phoenix, Albuquerque, and more through Aug. 1. Tickets go on sale starting this Friday (Feb. 27), with select cities on sale in March. The tour will also offer VIP packages and experiences including premium tickets, exclusive pre-show meet & greet and photo op with Rucker, backstage tour, autographed tour poster and more.

“For me, it’s not summer if we’re not playing music outdoors,” says Rucker. “When I think of the concerts I love attending, it’s the people, the hits and the hot summer air… there’s nothing that compares, so ‘Songs of Summer’ in a lot of ways is my nod to being in that moment together.”

Rucker also recently announced a one-night-only Big Band Gala at Charleston’s Gaillard Center on April 7. Presented by Explore Charleston, the performance offers fans a rare opportunity to experience Rucker in an elevated, intimate concert setting backed by Robert Lewis and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Peter Graves. A portion of proceeds will benefit the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives for Charleston County Schools and the Carolyn G. Rucker Nursing Scholarship at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

“Songs of Summer Tour” Dates:
June 4 | Toledo, Ohio | Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre | George Birge, Austin Williams +
June 5 | Grantville, Pa. | Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course | George Birge, Austin Williams *’
June 6 | Canandaigua, N.Y. | Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center | George Birge, Austin Williams *’
June 11 | Bethel, N.Y. | Bethel Woods Center for the Arts | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 12 | Atlantic City, N.J. | Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena | Austin Williams *
June 13 | Gilford, N.H. | BankNH Pavilion | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 18 | Greensboro, N.C. | White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 19 | Wilmington, N.C. | Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park | George Birge, Austin Williams *
June 25 | Grand Rapids, Mich. | Acrisure Amphitheater | Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams +
June 26 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Riverbend Music Center | Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams #
June 27 | Clarkston, Mich. | Pine Knob Music Theatre | Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams +
July 16 | Washington, D.C. | The Theater at MGM National Harbor | Austin Williams *
July 17 | Bridgeport, Conn. | Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater | Robert Randolph, Austin Williams *
July 18 | Boston, Mass. | Leader Bank Pavilion | Robert Randolph, Austin Williams *
July 23 | Phoenix, Ariz. | Arizona Financial Theatre | Old Crow Medicine Show, Austin Williams +
July 24 | Albuquerque, N.M. | First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater | Old Crow Medicine Show, Austin Williams *
July 25 | Morrison, Colo. | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Old Crow Medicine Show, Austin Williams *
July 30 | Rogers, Ark. | Walmart AMP | Evan Honer, Austin Williams *
July 31 | Kansas City, Mo. | Starlight Theatre | Evan Honer, Austin Williams ^
August 1 | Indianapolis, Ind. | Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park | Evan Honer, Austin Williams *
* on sale Feb. 27
+ on sale March 6
# on sale March 13
^ on sale March 20

Brooks & Dunn Extends ‘Neon Moon Tour’ Into 2026

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Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn is extending their “Neon Moon Tour” into 2026, with a series of fall dates kicking off in Evansville, Indiana on Sept. 1.

Select shows will feature support from David Lee Murphy or Tucker Wetmore, along with Willow Avalon, Kaitlin Butts, Caylee Hammack and Angie K. The fall leg of the tour will include stops in Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, Green Bay, Oklahoma City and more, with a Nashville show at Bridgestone Arena set for Sept. 12. Artist presales begin tomorrow (Feb. 25), with general on-sale starting Feb. 27 at brooks-dunn.com. The tour will offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences including premium seats, exclusive access to a backstage tour, invitation to the Neon Lounge, Brooks & Dunn VIP merchandise & more.

Next month, the duo will head out on their first-ever string of UK dates, headlining C2C 2026, with stops in Belfast, Glasgow and London. They’ll return to the U.S. shortly after for Stagecoach before rejoining Morgan Wallen for eight stadium stops this summer on his “Still the Problem Tour 2026.”

2026 “Neon Moon Tour” Dates:
9/10 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center * #
9/11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre * #
9/12 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena * #
9/17 – Toledo, OH – The Huntington Center ^ !
9/18 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum ^ !
9/19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center ^ !
9/24 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre ^ ~
9/25 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater ^ ~
9/26 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center ^ ~
10/1 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center * <
10/2 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater ^ <
10/3 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena ^ <
10/8 – Lafayette, LA – Cajundome * #
10/9 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena * #

* with Tucker Wetmore
^ with David Lee Murphy
# Caylee Hammack
~ Willow Avalon
! Kaitlin Butts
< Angie K

BREAKING: Keith Urban Inks With Crush Management

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Keith Urban

Keith Urban has inked with Crush Management.He will be managed out of Crush’s Nashville office, along with New York and LA.

Across his career, Urban has amassed over 11 billion streams, four Grammy Awards, 13 CMA Awards—including two nods for Entertainer of the Year—15 ACM Awards—including the prestigious Triple Crown for winner Best New Artist, Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year—three AMAs and two People’s Choice Awards. He has celebrated nine consecutive Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum albums and holds a record setting streak of 37 consecutive top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Crush Music is a music management firm founded by Jonathan Daniel and Bob McLynn. The organization represents acts such as Green Day, Miley Cyrus, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Lorde, Train, Sia and many more.

Industry Ink: Graham Barham, CMHOFM, Shaylen, Alex Miller

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Graham Barham’s ‘Oil Money’ Earns Gold Certification

Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville Chair & CEO Taylor Lindsey, Beau Bailey, Graham Barham, The PRNT Co.’s Dillon Goldberg, SMN President & COO Ken Robold. Photo: Josh Erb

Graham Barham has earned his second RIAA certification with “Oil Money.” Co-written with Beau Bailey, Sam Bergeson and Cole Miracle, the track has reached Gold status, indicating sales in excess of 500,000 U.S. units.

 

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s Poets and Prophets Program Features Josh Osborne

Allison Moorer and Josh Osborne. Photo: Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently hosted Josh Osborne as part of the Poets and Prophets series.

The series highlights songwriters who made significant contributions to country music. Osborne performed a few songs during the program, which was moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer.

The Kentucky native has earned more than 30 No. 1 hits with Sam Hunt, Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Old Dominion and more.

 

Shaylen Debuts New Podcast ‘Rent Money Confessions’


Shaylen has launched her new podcast, Rent Money Confessions, produced under Black Horse Pike Media. The podcast is available on all streaming platforms.

“Success can look glamorous from the outside,” Shaylen shares, “but this podcast is about the unseen moments—the doubt, the healing, the faith struggles, and the growth that happens when you’re honest with yourself.”

 

Alex Miller Partners With Cowboy Hardware

Alex Miller.

Alex Miller has partnered with western apparel brand Cowboy Hardware for a one-year sponsorship agreement.

“I love his music, his videos on social media … all of it is outstanding. We are very excited to see what the future holds,” shares Grant Gomez, CEO of the clothing label.

“I love this brand,” Miller adds. “The vests and shirts are really well made with lots of detail. They’ve got so many great looks, and I always feel good in their clothes.”

Academy Of Country Music Unveils Details For ACM Awards & Surrounding Events

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The Academy of Country Music has unveiled details for the upcoming 61st ACM Awards, which are set for May 17 in Las Vegas, and surrounding events.

Tickets for all events, including the awards, will go on sale to the general public on Friday (Feb. 27), following the official pre-sales that begin on Wednesday.

ACM Awards Week will include two events. “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” will take place May 15 at Topgolf Las Vegas, headlined by Green with additional artists to be announced. Proceeds from this event benefit ACM Lifting Lives. “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” is a reimagined fan-favorite outdoor concert experience, taking place at Mandalay Bay Beach and Wave Pool on May 16.

Final lineups for all events will be announced in the coming weeks.

Jeremy Stover Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jeremy Stover

Jeremy Stover has entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Cody Johnson’s “The Fall,” and Justin Moore and Dierks Bentley’s “Time’s Ticking” place the songwriter at No. 9 this week.

Zach Bryan remains at No. 1 for the fifth consecutive week with all solo-penned “Appetite,” “Bad News,” “Plastic Cigarette” and “Say Why.” Chase McGill stays at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long,” “McArthur,” “the hell you are” and “Water At A Wedding.”

Blake Pendergrass (No. 3), Randy Montana (No. 4) and Ty Myers (No. 5) round out this weeks 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.

Brooke Lee Shares A Snapshot Of Her Journey To Adulthood On ‘Desert Darling,’ Due In April

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Brooke Lee is inviting listeners on a road trip through her formative years on her new six-song EP, Desert Darling, set for release April 17 via Spirit Nashville Recordings/2Mix Music.

The EP’s title track, “Desert Darling,” about falling in love when every moment feels electric and impossible to let go, is out now. The song was written by Brooke and Danielle Blakey, who also produced the project. From young love to heartbreak to self-discovery, the six-song EP is rooted in personal experience. Lee invited her longtime touring band to track with her in the studio as well, to lend authenticity and that live feel to the project.

“I’m obsessed with road trips, so I intentionally crafted the songs and production to feel like the perfect soundtrack for a long drive – free, reflective, and becoming my own,” says Lee. “My years from 19 to 25 were filled with stories and growth, and, as this chapter closes, I wanted to share the moments that impacted me most. ’Desert Darling’ is a snapshot of my journey from a young, free-spirited 19-year-old who fell head over heels, had her heart broken, who sometimes still wonders if she’ll find that kind of love again, and now is at peace with where she is. It’s also about the girl with a best friend to share all her secrets with, and the woman learning to live fully for herself.”

After partnering with Chevrolet for the launch of its new “See The USA In Your Chevrolet” campaign, Lee will be back on the road next month for shows in Charleston, Charlotte and Atlanta.

Desert Darling Track List:
1. “Kissing A Stranger” (Brooke Lee, Justin Richards)
2. “Desert Darling” (Brooke Lee, Danielle Blakey)
3. “Burn To Black” (Brooke Lee, Danielle Blakey, Jon Nite)
4. “This Roof” (Brooke Lee, Justin Richards)
5. “I Gotta Go” (Brooke Lee, Aaron Eshuis, Neil Medley)
6. “Just Because” (Brooke Lee, Danielle Blakey, Justin Richards)

Meg Combs Launches Nightingale Collective

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Meg Combs. Photo: Julie Jackson

Meg Combs has launched artist management and creative company Nightingale Collective, with singer-songwriter Brooke Lee as its first artist signing.

A 2023 graduate of Belmont University, Combs began her career with Dreamcatcher Management, leading social media strategy and content development while building her foundation in tour management and operations.

“Nightingale was built on the belief that artists deserve teams who listen first, move with intention, and protect the heart of what makes them most themselves,” shares Combs. “Nightingale exists to help artists build brands that feel honest — not rushed, not forced, and never watered down. Every decision starts with trust, gut instinct, and long-term vision. Brooke’s ultimate goal is longevity. I believe in what she’s doing wholeheartedly and am excited to continue building together.”

The signing of Lee formalizes the pair’s relationship after spending the last year building the artist’s creative and brand foundation while expanding her industry footprint. Lee is signed to Spirit Music Group for publishing and represented by CAA for booking. She also appeared in the recent “See The USA In Your Chevrolet” campaign.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join Nightingale Collective,” says Lee. “Meg believes in longevity, intention, and developing artists from an authentic place — values that deeply align with who I am and the kind of career I want to build. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve already begun creating together, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Finding people who truly believe in you changes everything, and with Meg, that belief shows up in every conversation, every opportunity, and every step forward.”

Combs can be reached here.

Shaboozey Inks Publishing Deal With EMPIRE

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Shaboozey. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk

Shaboozey has signed a publishing deal with EMPIRE Publishing, the publishing arm of independent record company EMPIRE.

EMPIRE and Shaboozey have already shared massive successes with each other on the label side, including RIAA Diamond-certified hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and RIAA Gold album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going. The publishing team is helmed by President Vinny Kumar, who helped secure the deal alongside EMPIRE Publishing SVP A&R, Eric Hurt, who signed Shaboozey to EMPIRE’s label in 2021.

“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Shaboozey in this publishing deal,” says Hurt. “As great of an artist as Shaboozey is, he’s equally as talented as a songwriter; constantly striving to write the most compelling, story-driven songs that reach a broad and diverse audience. EMPIRE looks forward to supporting the publishing interests of a global artist who knows it always has to start with great songs”.

“The creative foundation of Shaboozey’s success is his writing, which sits at the center of one of the most significant chart achievements in recent memory,” shares Kumar. “We’re proud to partner with him on the publishing side as he continues to make history.”

“We couldn’t be happier to double down on the mutual commitment between Shaboozey and EMPIRE,” adds Shaboozey’s co-manager and Range Media Partners Managing Partner, Jared Cotter. “They have been integral partners in Shaboozey’s success on the record side and I have no doubt we will say the same in the publishing business as well.”

Shaboozey recently launched his own label American Dogwood, in partnership with EMPIRE. He also released an expanded version of Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, including “Amen” featuring Jelly Roll, which is currently top 10 at country radio, and a 2026 Grammy-winning song. He also slotted the official opening track of Prime Sport’s Thursday Night Football “Let ‘Em Know,” and his “Took a Walk” collaboration with Stephen Wilson Jr. was written for the end titles of The Long Walk.

Borman Entertainment’s Gary Borman Retires

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Gary Borman.

Gary Borman, longtime artist manager and founder of Borman Entertainment, has retired.

Borman Entertainment has closed following his retirement. During the 50 years since its inception, the company has represented a wide array of artists, including The Yellowjackets, The Bee Gees, James Taylor, The Violent Femmes, Dwight Yoakam, Faith Hill, Steve Moir, The Rolling Stones and Natalie Cole, among others.

“To say I’ve been lucky to have spent my time doing what I’ve loved, would be an understatement,” says Borman. “I’ve worked side by side with some of the most gifted artists. I’m grateful beyond words to all the teachers, artists, colleagues, collaborators, supporters, Lady Luck, as well as the adversaries and turbulent moments that sharpened my resolve and taught me how to manage emotion and life.”

The retirement also brings to an end his 25-year professional relationship with Keith Urban.

“I’m so grateful to Gary (and my entire Borman Nashville family) for the most incredible and successful time together,” shares Urban. “It was extraordinary—what we were able to accomplish together—and I’ll forever be grateful for the creative and collaborative spirit we were all a part of for so long. I wish Gary and everyone at Borman Entertainment the very best journey ahead and look forward to what the future holds for all of us.”

“Keith and I shared a journey not unlike brothers,” adds Borman. “The place that I have in my heart will remain warm and my mind filled with wonderful memories. I have been and will remain a fan.”