The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled its latest American Currents: State of the Music exhibit, which is set to open on March 18.
The exhibit, which is included with museum admission, runs through January 2027 in the museum’s ACM Gallery.
“It’s central to our mission at the museum to report on country music — not just its storied past but also what’s happening right now,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “We present stories of collaboration, perseverance and innovation from emerging artists and established luminaries — and the instruments, stage wear and personal items that bring those stories to life. American Currents is a testament to the constant vitality of the music.”
The exhibit will honor musical developments, artist achievements and notable events of the past year, with artifacts and video footage from Tyler Childers, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Vince Gill, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Sierra Hull, I’m With Her, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Ella Langley, MJ Lenderman, Megan Moroney, Ringo Starr, Billy Strings, Zach Top, Morgan Wallen, Waxahatchee, Wednesday, Jesse Welles, Lainey Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr, Kaitlin Butts, Luke Combs, Farm Aid, the Grand Ole Opry, Riley Green and Cody Johnson, among others.
A section of the exhibit titled “Unbroken Circle” highlights musical connections between new artists and their influences. Featured artifact pairings include Ken Pomeroy and John Denver, Carter Faith and Tammy Wynette, and Muscadine Bloodline and Turnpike Troubadours.
Additionally, the exhibit will recap the year’s chart-topping country albums and singles and highest-grossing tours, as well as include touchscreen interactives highlighting key awards show moments.
In support of the exhibition’s opening, the museum will host a Songwriter Session with Carter Faith on March 21 and a Musician Spotlight with Sierra Hull on March. 22.
Billy Currington & Kip Moore To Team For New ‘Live In Concert Tour’ This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Currington will hit the road with Kip Moore on their 2026 “Live In Concert Tour ” kicking off June 5 in Hinckley, Minnesota.
The duo will be joined by special guests Kenny Whitmire and Alex Lambert on the 16-city tour, which includes stops in New York, Chicago, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Atlanta and more before wrapping Sept. 12 in Richmond. The tour follows the release of Currington’s latest album, King Of The World, which arrived last October, and Moore’s latest project Solitary Tracks.
Pre-sale for BC Fan Club and KM Fan Club members begins today, (Feb. 18), and additional pre-sales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning Friday, (Feb. 20).
“Billy Currington & Kip Moore: Live In Concert” Dates:
Fri Jun 5 – Hinckley, MN – Hinckley Amphitheater * ^ !
Sat Jun 6 – Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live * !
Fri Jun 12- Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park * !
Sat Jun 13 – Des Moines, IA – Lauridsen Amphitheater * ^ !
Fri Jul 17 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 * !
Sat Jul 18 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage * !
Fri Jul 24 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater * #
Sat Jul 25 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater * &
Fri Aug 7 – Port Wentworth, GA – Port Wentworth Amphitheater ** !
Sat Aug 8 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy ** !
Thu Aug 20 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center * !
Fri Aug 21 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed * !
Sat Aug 22 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre !
Thu Sep 10 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery ** @
Fri Sep 11 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre ** !
Sat Sep 12 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront ** !
! – On Sale 2/20
# – On Sale 2/27
@ – On Sale 3/6
& – On Sale 3/13
^ – Not a Live Nation Date
* – with Kenny Whitmire
** – with Alex Lambert
Dusty Black Readies Self-Titled EP Due This Month
/by Lauryn SinkDusty Black is set to release his self-titled EP on Feb. 27 via QHMG/Stone Country Records.
Produced by Mickey Jack Cones, the six-track project explores heartbreak, love and family legacy. Songwriters across the album include Jordan Walker, Chris DuBois, Heath Sanders, Josh Mirenda and more.
“This EP is the end result of a lot of soul-searching about who I am and who I want to be,” says Black. “That’s why my name is in the title, but whoever you are, I hope you’ll love my songs because they tell your own story too.”
Signing with Stone Country Records in 2024, Black has amassed more than 17 million streams. Born in Texas and raised in Memphis, Black began his music journey following a career in business.
Dusty Black EP Official Track Listing
1. “Don’t That Sound Like Her” (Houston Phillips, Kyle Schlienger, Kyler Weston)
2. “Goodbye Drives Me Crazy” (Josh Mirenda, Gary Garris, Houston Phillips)
3. “Curveball” (Jordan Walker, Chris DuBois, Lynn Hutton)
4. “Dust Off of Me” (Connie Harrington, Houston Phillips, Heath Sanders, Josh Dunne)
5. “In That Case” (Heath Sanders, Chris Stevens, Jordan Walker)
6. “I Don’t Wanna Be Right” (Nate Kenyon, Matt Gorman, Cooper Van Bascom)
‘Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens’ Tribute Set For March
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Opry 100 Honors” series continues in 2026 with “Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens,” celebrating the bigger-than-life Opry icon on March 21.
“Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens” will feature a performance by Dickens’ longtime friend Brad Paisley, who is celebrating his 25th Opry anniversary this week. Paisley was officially inducted into the Opry family on Feb 17, 2001 after being invited by Little Jimmy, Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely. He went on to form and share a multi-generational friendship with Little Jimmy that he counts as one of the highlights of his career, and Paisley will return on March 21 to honor his longtime mentor and friend. Little Jimmy often appeared in Paisley’s videos as well as surprise appearances onstage, including some well-known moments appearing during Paisley’s tenure hosting the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood.
Paisley, who led Little Jimmy’s memorial service at the Grand Ole Opry House, wrote after his passing in 2015, “Do not mourn Little Jim. Celebrate him. Relive and share the memories. Aspire to be like him. And above all, laugh at the punchlines, the craziness, and the way he so gracefully made this planet a funnier, better, richer place while he was alive. And in doing so, will continue to for years to come.”
“Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens” will also include performances by Little Jimmy’s friends and Opry members Bill Anderson, The Gatlin Brothers, Trace Adkins, (who was invited in 2003 by Little Jimmy famously using a stepladder to ask the 6’6” star to join the Opry family), and The Oak Ridge Boys, who were officially inducted as an Opry member by Little Jimmy in 2011, as well as 49 Winchester and more.
Jake Worthington Heads Into Spring On New ‘Intent To Tonk Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Worthington. Photo: Travis Fuentes
Jake Worthington has announced his “Intent To Tonk” on his brand new tour, which will visit cities throughout the U.S. this spring and summer.
Kicking off April 2 in Wilmington, North Carolina, the Big Loud Texas artist will make stops in Chicago, Nashville, Boston, Tulsa and more before wrapping in New York City on June 19. The headlining run adds to a busy touring schedule this year for Worthington, including stadium dates with Luke Combs, a Stagecoach billing, as well as opening slots for Luke Bryan, Hardy, Parker McCollum, Riley Green and Ian Munsick.
“I’m excited to announce that I’m going on a headlining tour for the first time in a very long time,” Worthington shares. “’The Intent To Tonk Tour’ is coming your way this spring.”
Worthington will no doubt share songs from his sophomore album When I Write The Song on the new dates, which features collaborations with Miranda Lambert, Marty Stuart and Mae Estes. Songs on the album have resonated with listeners, from viral “It Ain’t The Whiskey” that has racked up over 40 million streams, to ditty “My Home’s In Oklahoma,” Lambert collab “Hello Shitty Day,” “I’m The One (feat. Marty Stuart)” and the witty “Two First Names.”
“Intent To Tonk Tour” Dates:
April 2: Bowstring Brewyard – Wilmington, NC
April 3: Buds Tavern – Youngsville, NC
April 10: Joe’s Bar on Weed St. – Chicago, IL
April 16: The Blue Note – Columbia, MO
April 17: Crusens – West Peoria, IL
April 29: The Basement East – Nashville, TN
April 30: The Signal – Chattanooga, TN
May 1: The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC
May 7: The Vanguard – Tulsa, OK
May 8: Gilley’s Park City – Park City, KS
June 11: Duling Hall – Jackson, MS
June 18: The Sinclair – Boston, MA
June 19: Mercury Lounge – New York, NY
Farris, Self & Moore Announces Team Promotions, New Website
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Amanda Mitchell, Gator Pizer, Hannah Haggerty, Lauren Frick and Zach D’Onofrio. Photo: Courtesy of Farris, Self & Moore
Nashville-based business management and financial planning firm Farris, Self & Moore has promoted several staffers and launched a newly redesigned website.
Hannah Haggerty, Gator Pizer and Amanda Mitchell have all been promoted to Business Managers; Lauren Frick has been promoted to Client Manager; and Zach D’Onofrio will be making a move to the newly-created position of Royalty Assistant.
“After more than a decade at FSM, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the firm continue to grow,” says Mitchell. “I’m honored to step into this new chapter and continue serving my clients with the personalized guidance and authentic relationships our firm is known for. I’m equally proud to see Zach and Lauren step into new positions. Supporting the development of our next generation of talent alongside the partners has been a privilege.”
That commitment to developing talent from within has shaped careers across the firm, including those of Haggerty and Pizer, who joined FSM as interns a decade ago.
“Over the past ten years, Gator and I have had the chance to progress from interns to business managers with the mentorship and trust of the partners and our internal team,” says Haggerty. “FSM has felt like the right fit from the start, and we’re so fortunate to be part of a firm that values growth and exceptional client service.”
“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received and excited to take on these new roles as we continue building innovative strategies that evolve alongside our clients’ careers,” adds Pizer.
Old Dominion Reveals Lineup For Second Annual Moon Crush ‘Odies Beach Vacation’
/by Lauryn SinkOld Dominion. Photo: Nish Sanders
Old Dominion has revealed the lineup for the second annual Moon Crush “Odies Beach Vacation.” The festival is set for October 1-3 in Miramar Beach, Florida.
In addition to two headlining performances from Old Dominion, the main stage lineup includes Darius Rucker, Flo Rida, Fitz and The Tantrums, Jake Owen, Phil Vassar, Uncle Kracker and Nashville Yacht Club Band.
This year, the “Odies Grove Stage,” with an all-female lineup of members of Nashville’s songwriting community, will feature Tera Lynne, Rachel Horter, Stacey Kelleher, Presley & Taylor, Amanda Raye and Ginn.
“We can’t wait to throw this party on the beach again,” Old Dominion shares. “Last year was great and this year, with this group of artists, is going to be nothing but positive energy! We’re already counting the days until October.”
In addition to music, guests will enjoy a wide range of activities including beach yoga, bonfires, karaoke, party cruises, golf tournaments and more.
General ticket sales begin March 6, following the official pre-sale.
CRS Unveils Y’all Means All Breakfast & Programming Happy Hour Lineups
/by Lauryn SinkCountry Radio Seminar has unveiled the lineups for two key sessions at CRS 2026, taking place March 18–20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
The Y’all Means All Breakfast will be moderated by Amber Anderson, and will feature Al Farb, Ty Herndon, James Marsh and MŌRIAH. The event is set for the morning of March 18, and aims to offer actionable strategies for expanding the reach of country radio, creating welcoming spaces for new listeners and supporting diverse voices across the format.
The Programming Happy Hour will take place March 18, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., offering attendees the opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations with experienced program directors. Participating mentors include Drew Bland (Audacy), Christi Brooks (Cox Media Group), Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting), Ashley Morrison Layfield (iHeartMedia), Brent Michaels (Buck Owens Productions), Dylan Salisbury (Connoisseur Media), Dawn Santolucito (Beasley Broadcast Group) and Jill Strada (iHeartMedia).
Today (Feb. 18) is the final day to register online for CRS 2026. Information on registration and additional programing is available here.
Blake Whiten Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Whiten. Photo: Turner Rosen
Blake Whiten celebrated a sweet Valentine’s Day this year, stepping into the coveted circle to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (Feb. 14.)
The Enchntmnt/Warner Records artist performed several originals on the Opry stage, including the unreleased “Bet On That,” the brand-new “Break Me” and his breakout hit “Rollin’ Stone,” earning applause from the sold-out Opry crowd.
“This is making all my dreams come true, and I never would’ve guessed I’d be here one day,” Whiten shared from the circle during his Grand Ole Opry debut.
The career milestone moment follows the release of Whiten’s latest single, “Break Me,” a slow-burning track that embraces the messy truth of trying to “put an old flame out with gasoline.” Adding to an already banner week, Whiten was also named SiriusXM’s latest “Highway Find,” joining a short list of artists The Highway has spotlighted early on in their careers.
Next, the 21-year-old South Carolina native will head out on the road as part of Bailey Zimmerman’s “Different Night Same Rodeo Tour,” kicking off this Friday (Feb. 19) in Estero, Florida. After hitting fairs and festivals this summer, he’ll embark on Morgan Wallen’s “Still The Problem” stadium tour.
Clay Street Unit Releases Debut Album ‘Sin & Squalor’
/by LB CantrellClay Street Unit. Photo: Tobin Voggesser
Colorado-based roots band Clay Street Unit has released their debut album, Sin & Squalor, via their new label home in Leo33.
Produced by Chris Pandolfi of the innovative Grammy-winning group The Infamous Stringdusters, the album seeks to capture the spirit of the west, the folk and country traditions of the south and the spirit of modern Americana.
Clay Street Unit celebrated the release of Sin & Squalor with a sold-out show on Valentine’s Day at the Basement East. They will make their Grand Ole Opry debut tonight (Feb. 17).
Formed in Denver in 2021, the group includes Sam Walker (lead vocals/guitar), Scottie Bolin (mandolin/vocals), Jack Cline (banjo), Brad Larrison (pedal steel), Brendan Lamb (drums), Jack Kotarba (bass), as well as new touring member Dan Andree (fiddle). Their 2022 debut EP, A Mighty Fine Evening, introduced their genre-blending sound as Clay Street Unit.
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Unveils Latest ‘American Currents’ Installment
/by Lauryn SinkThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled its latest American Currents: State of the Music exhibit, which is set to open on March 18.
The exhibit, which is included with museum admission, runs through January 2027 in the museum’s ACM Gallery.
“It’s central to our mission at the museum to report on country music — not just its storied past but also what’s happening right now,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “We present stories of collaboration, perseverance and innovation from emerging artists and established luminaries — and the instruments, stage wear and personal items that bring those stories to life. American Currents is a testament to the constant vitality of the music.”
The exhibit will honor musical developments, artist achievements and notable events of the past year, with artifacts and video footage from Tyler Childers, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Vince Gill, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Sierra Hull, I’m With Her, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Ella Langley, MJ Lenderman, Megan Moroney, Ringo Starr, Billy Strings, Zach Top, Morgan Wallen, Waxahatchee, Wednesday, Jesse Welles, Lainey Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr, Kaitlin Butts, Luke Combs, Farm Aid, the Grand Ole Opry, Riley Green and Cody Johnson, among others.
A section of the exhibit titled “Unbroken Circle” highlights musical connections between new artists and their influences. Featured artifact pairings include Ken Pomeroy and John Denver, Carter Faith and Tammy Wynette, and Muscadine Bloodline and Turnpike Troubadours.
Additionally, the exhibit will recap the year’s chart-topping country albums and singles and highest-grossing tours, as well as include touchscreen interactives highlighting key awards show moments.
In support of the exhibition’s opening, the museum will host a Songwriter Session with Carter Faith on March 21 and a Musician Spotlight with Sierra Hull on March. 22.