Musicians On Call Announces New Music Industry Advisory Board

/by

Musicians On Call (MOC), the nonprofit that brings music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments, has announced the inaugural members of its new national Music Industry Advisory Board.

The group will serve as ambassadors for MOC’s mission while gaining a deeper understanding of philanthropy and how nonprofit boards operate. Together, they will work to deliver the healing power of music to more communities across the country.

Music Industry Advisory Board Members:

  • Jessica Abel, G7 Entertainment Marketing
  • Adrienne Assip, Epic Records
  • Erin Burr, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
  • Alex Ciasnocha, Warner Music Nashville
  • Hayden Coplen, Wasserman Music Los Angeles
  • Stephanie DeMarco, Spotify
  • Laura Fuller, FlyteVu
  • Kristen Reed, Universal Music Group (UMG)
  • Rachel Inglesino, Jonas Group Entertainment
  • Sydni Joseph, Big Plan Holdings
  • Derek Roberge, Sony Music Entertainment
  • Torianne Valdez, Musicians On Call (MOC)
  • Liliana Villarreal, iHeartRadio

“The music community has always shown great support for our mission, and we are so grateful to have these leaders officially join the MOC family as part of our Music Industry Advisory Board. These talented professionals work at the top organizations in the music business and were identified as the future leaders of this industry, so we are excited to work with them to change the landscape of how music is used to bring healing and joy,” says Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President & CEO. “This advisory board will also give them the opportunity to learn the in’s and out’s of being an impactful leader on a nonprofit board and network with others in the industry. We are honored to be a part of their growth as leaders in this way.”

For over 20 years, the nonprofit has used music to promote and complement the healing process through bedside, virtual and digital streaming programs that are available across all 50 states. As the nation’s leading provider of live music in hospitals, MOC volunteers have performed for more than one million individuals in healthcare facilities nationwide.

CMA Presents Jim Free, Mike Dungan With Honors

/by

Mike Dungan, Charlie Morgan and Jim Free at a reception held during CMA’s Board of Directors meeting. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA

During a reception at its Board of Directors meeting last week, the Country Music Association presented some industry veterans with awards.

The CMA honored Jim Free with the 2023 J. William Denny Award, which is presented in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors.

Free has served the CMA Board of Directors since the late 1980s. Throughout his time on the board, Free has made lasting and impactful contributions to country music, including introducing Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan to the CMA Board, where they laid out their plans for their documentary film series Country Music.

“It is extremely unusual in any of our businesses to find a place where everybody who competes against each other comes together and works for a product,” said Free. “And it’s country music. This place is it. I’ve been honored to be a part of this.”

Also during the reception, former Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville and long-serving CMA Board member Mike Dungan was presented with the CMA Chairman’s Award by CMA Board Chairman and Global Head of Programming at Apple Music, Charlie Morgan.

Dungan’s honor is not an annual award, but is given when the incumbent Chairman feels an individual or individuals, through outstanding service to CMA, merits the recognition.

Additionally, in recognition of their service to the CMA Board of Directors, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern presented mementos to outgoing CMA Chairman Morgan and current President, incoming 2024 CMA Chairman and Farris, Self & Moore LLC Partner, Kella Farris.

Cole Swindell To Kick Off ‘Win The Night Tour’ In May

/by

Cole Swindell will kick off his 2024 “Win The Night Tour” on Thursday, May 16 in London, Ontario. Special guests Dylan Scott, Jon Langston, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Meghan Patrick and Restless Road will join him on various dates throughout the trek.

“My band and crew on the road have been a big reason for the successes in my career and I never take that for granted,” says Swindell. “It is our goal every single night to give the fans the best show we can, so the last three words we say before stepping on stage is ‘Win The Night.’ This one is for my band, my crew, my team and for the ones that continue to show up-the fans! We can’t wait to get out there in 2024 with Dylan [Scott], Jon Langston, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Meghan Patrick and Restless Road.”

The “Win The Night Tour” will also visit Oshawa and Ottawa, Ontario before coming stateside to Brandon, Mississippi, Orange Beach, Alabama and more.

His Down Home Crew will have the opportunity to purchase tickets during their special presale, beginning tomorrow (Dec. 5) at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets for most dates will go on sale to the public this Friday (Dec. 8) at 10 a.m. local time, and tickets to the Cincinnati, Ohio show going on sale next Friday, Dec 15. For more information, click here.

Additionally, the four-time ACM Award winner released a new song, “3 Feet Tall,” on Friday (Dec. 1). “3 Feet Tall” is the first track to be released from Swindell’s fifth studio album coming in the new year. Written by Trannie Anderson, Trey Lewis and Jordan Walker, the song discusses the difficult situations of divorce from the perspective of children.

“Win The Night Tour” Dates:
*Tickets on sale Dec. 15
May 16 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens (Dylan Scott, Meghan Patrick)
May 17 – Oshawa, ON -Tribute Communities Center (Dylan Scott, Meghan Patrick)
May 18 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre (Dylan Scott, Meghan Patrick)
May 24 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Jon Langston)
May 25 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Jon Langston)
May 30 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
May 31 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
June 1 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
June 7 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
*June 8 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
June 27 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (Dylan Scott, Lily Rose)
June 28 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (Dylan Scott, Lily Rose)
June 29 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Lily Rose)
July 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 12 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 13 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 19 – Idaho Falls, ID – Hero Arena Inside Mountain America Center (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 20 – Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)

Tape Room Music Partners With Warner Chappell & Red Light Management To Sign Ned Cameron

/by

Pictured (L-R): Tape Room’s Caroline Hodson, Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, Tape Room’s Blain Rhodes, Ned Cameron, Tape Room’s Ashley Gorley and Kelly Bolton. Photo: Elise Darby

Ned Cameron has signed a global publishing deal with Tape Room Music, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music and Red Light Management.

With over one billion worldwide streams, the Grammy-nominated writer and producer has collaborated with artists including Kid Ink, Machine Gun Kelly, Wiz Khalifa, Sean Kingston and more. Hailing from San Francisco, Cameron found early success in the West Coast hip-hop scene, independently writing and producing with Kid Ink. He has also collaborated with bay area artists such as E-40 and Keak da Sneek, among others.

“Ned brings a unique and fresh sound to country music,” says Ashley Gorley, Founder, Tape Room Music. “He is equally humble, driven and talented, which makes him a great addition to the Tape Room team. We’re fired up to be working with him!”

Spencer Nohe, Senior Director, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville adds, “Ned checks all the boxes you hope for as a publisher – he is talented, humble and hard-working. He burst onto the scene in Nashville and immediately made an impact with his songs and relationships with his co-writers. We are so grateful to help amplify his talents and partner with Tape Room on this deal.”

“I’m beyond excited to join the team. Ashley, Blain [Rhodes], Kelly [Bolton], Caroline [Hodson], Spencer [Nohe], and their entire rosters are superstars, and I’m grateful to be in such good company,” says Cameron. “It’s been a hell of a road so far, and I’m just happy to be here.”

Scotty McCreery Invited To Become A Member Of The Grand Ole Opry

/by

Garth Brooks invite Scotty McCreery to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry

Multi-Platinum country artist Scotty McCreery was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Sunday night (Dec. 3) by member Garth Brooks.

While performing at last night’s Opry Country Christmas show, McCreery was surprised with a wrapped gift from Brooks.

Scotty McCreery invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo

“Merry Christmas,” the icon said. “This is a Christmas present to the Grand Ole Opry.” He added, “We would love to invite you to be the newest member of the Opry.”

“Holy cow. Yes, I would love to,” McCreery replied. “I grew up listening to your records Garth and you’re a part of what made me want to do this for a living and I didn’t think that dream would become a reality, but it is because of all of y’all sitting in this house tonight. God bless y’all.

“When I got started doing this people asked, ‘what are your goals?'” McCreery shared. “And I’d say ‘one day I’d like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.'”

Since releasing his first studio album in 2011 after winning the 10th season of American Idol, McCreery has sold more than four million albums and achieved five consecutive No.1 hits: RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” RIAA Gold-certified “You Time,” RIAA Gold-certified “In Between,” RIAA Platinum-certified “This Is It” and RIAA triple-Platinum certified “Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina native has earned one triple Platinum, five Platinum and four Gold singles as well as one Platinum and two Gold albums. He has won multiple awards throughout his career, including ACM, CMT and BMI honors.

Pictured (L-R): Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, Dan Rogers; Scotty McCreery; Garth Brooks; and McCreery’s Manager, Scott Stem. Photo: Chris Hollo

“We’re thrilled to extend this much-anticipated invitation to our friend Scotty,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “Whether he’s on the Opry performing his hits, putting his spin on some old favorites during a performance on one of our Opry Country Classics shows, or offering a holiday set as he did tonight, Scotty consistently delivers and is always at home on the Opry stage. It’ll be exciting to hear the words ‘Scotty McCreery, you’re a member of the Grand Ole Opry!’ in the early days of 2024.”

McCreery’s induction date will be announced soon.

Whiskey Myers To Kick Off New Tour In 2024

/by

Following sold-out dates across the nation this year, Whiskey Myers has announced a new nine-date tour for 2024.

The Red Clay Strays, Lukas Nelson + POTR and Reid Haughton will join the group for select dates of the trek, which will kick off on March 8 in Bossier City, Louisiana with stops in Biloxi, Mississippi on March 9 and Little Rock, Arkansas on May 3, among others.

Additionally, Whiskey Myers will end 2023 with the “Whiskey Myers & Friends Tour,” their first full-band acoustic journey with special guests Adam Hood, Aaron Raitiere and Brent Cobb. Starting today (Dec. 1) in Birmingham, Alabama, the tour already boasts three sold-out shows including two dates at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee, with tomorrow (Dec. 2)’s performance available to stream live via Veeps. The multi-Platinum band has also announced the lineup for their sixth annual Wiggy Thump Festival in Palestine, Texas, featuring Cobb, Jason Boland & The Stragglersand Joey Greer on April 20.

For more information, click here.

CMA Songwriters Series & Spotlight Stage To Return To C2C Festival In March

/by

The CMA Songwriters Series will return to the Country to Country (C2C) Festival on March 7, with Charlie Worsham, Colbie Caillat, Lauren Alaina and Stephen Wilson Jr. set to perform and share the stories behind their songs during the show. Tickets for the event are on sale now at gigsandtours.com and axs.com.

The C2C Festival has also announced that the Spotlight Stage will return to London for 2024, with Caillat, Carter Faith, Chapel Hart, Fancy Hagood, Mason Ramsey, Restless Road, Tigirlily Gold and Wyatt Flores all performing in the main arena. The Spotlight Stage seeks to further demonstrate C2C’s commitment to developing country music, as it provides an opportunity for the genre’s rising stars to perform in front of thousands. Chapel Hart, Restless Road, Tigirlily Gold, Flores and Ramsey will also perform in Glasgow.

Since its inaugural event in 2013 at The O2 London, C2C has grown to a three-day, multi-arena event featuring the best in country music and programming, with tens of thousands in attendance each year.

Taking place March 8-10, C2C 2024 will headlined by Alaina, Kane Brown, Brad Paisley and Old Dominion, with Carly Pearce, Jake Owen, Brothers Osborne, Brian Kelley, Elle King, Priscilla Block and Drake Milligan also performing on the main stage across the weekend in London, Glasgow and Belfast.

Kenny Chesney Adds Three Soccer Stadiums To ‘Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour’

/by

Kenny Chesney is adding three soccer stadiums to his “Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour” in Cincinnati, Columbus and Salt Lake City.

Chesney’s soccer stadium shows include Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium on June 29, Salt Lake City’s America First Field on July 16 and Columbus, Ohio’s Historic Crew Stadium on Aug. 8. All three shows will feature special guests Megan Moroney and “When The Sun Goes Down” duet partner Uncle Kracker. Tickets will go on sale Dec. 8.

“In a lot of ways, soccer stadiums are the best of both worlds,” says Chesney. “You have the same kind of intimacy that you get in an amphitheater, but it’s big enough you have the ability to really hit the accelerator in terms of energy, music, connecting. It’s a relatively new thing for us to have soccer stadiums, but these are markets where I know there are people who aren’t getting tickets–and everyone in No Shoes Nation knows how I feel about no citizen of our crew left behind.”

The “Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour” kicks off April 20 in Tampa. Additionally, Chesney’s latest single “Take Her Home,” which embraces taking the risks that make people’s lives sweeter, is currently making its way up the charts.

In Pictures: Ernest Sells Out Back-To-Back ‘This Fire Tour’ Stops At The Ryman

/by

Ernest performing during his first sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Corey Miller

Hit singer-songwriter Ernest sold out his back-to-back shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday (Nov. 28) and Wednesday (Nov. 29). Both evenings were filled with surprises and special guests as fans packed the pews for the “This Fire Tour” stops.

Pictured (L-R): Ally Parsons (Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee), Nancy Keil (President & CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee), Ernest and Jacquelynn Henderson (Director of Marketing, MAPCO). Photo: Corey Miller

The Big Loud artist performed an array of songs from his growing catalog such as tour namesake “This Fire,” “Miss That Girl,” “Flower Shops” and newest release “Kiss Of Death.”

“What a year we’ve had everybody,” shared Ernest from the historic stage. “As a Nashville kid, there is no more sacred ground than standing on the Ryman Auditorium stage. I can’t ever thank everyone who has supported us over the past few years enough. This is an unbelievable feeling to play here tonight.”

On the first night, he was joined by Keith Urban for a cover of “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” and Hardy for their co-written smash “More Than My Hometown,” recorded by Morgan Wallen. After surprising the crowd, Ernest was surprised himself as he was recognized backstage with a plaque presented by Big Loud CEO/Partner Seth England and team for amassing over one billion artist career streams.

Giving back to the city he was raised in during his hometown shows, Ernest also presented Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee with a check for $10,000 in partnership with MAPCO as part of GivingTuesday.

Ernest performing with Keith Urban during his first sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Corey Miller

The second night saw Wallen accompany the headliner for their tracks “Flower Shops” and “Cowgirls.” While on stage, the rising country star was surprised once again when Wallen shared the news that “Flower Shops” had received double-Platinum certification and presented him with another plaque, leading to a standing ovation. Jelly Roll also popped up for their co-written smash “Son Of A Sinner,” along with Charles Kelley, who joined for “Songs We Used To Sing,” and Dean Dillon, who came out for their collab “What Have I Got To Lose.” In addition, Ernest catered to impromptu requests from the audience, breaking into a version of “Comfortable When I’m Crazy,” putting his deep connection to his fans on full display.

Ernest performing with Hardy during his first sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Corey Miller

Pictured (L-R): Patch Culbertson (SVP/GM, Big Loud Records), Joey Moi (Partner/Producer/ President of A&R, Big Loud), Ernest, Seth England (CEO/Partner, Big Loud), Stacy Blythe (SVP of Radio Promotion, Big Loud Records) and Kimberly Gleason (Senior Vice President, Big Loud Publishing). Photo: Corey Miller

Morgan Wallen presenting Ernest with the “Flower Shops” double-Platinum plaque during his second sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Corey Miller

Ernest performing with Jelly Roll during his second sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Corey Miller

Crowd Surf Accepting Applications For New Music Apprenticeship Program

/by

Cassie Petrey & Jade Driver

Social media management and music marketing firm Crowd Surf has announced a new apprenticeship program designed for aspiring music professionals that aims to bridge the gap for those facing barriers in terms of entering the music industry, offering a hands-on learning experience for any music lover, from college students to seasoned professionals seeking a career change.

The program offers a behind-the-scenes experience focused on marketing, digital initiatives and content creation for some of the world’s most renowned artists. Each trimester, Crowd Surf will welcome four apprentices to join their industry-leading teams in Los Angeles, New York City, Nashville or remotely. Applications are currently open for spring 2024. For more information, click here.

“Our apprenticeship program offers an opportunity to gain real experience working in the music business,” says Cassie Petrey, Crowd Surf Co-Founder. “We love giving people with non-traditional backgrounds a shot at working in the music business, and we’re excited that this program is going to let us do that for more individuals.”

“Growing up in Virginia and Kentucky, Cassie and I felt so far removed from the entertainment industry,” shares Jade Driver, Crowd Surf Co-Founder. “We’re looking to support kids across the country who have a passion but might not have the regional access to start.”

Crowd Surf works with entertainers including Backstreet Boys, Camila Cabello, Paramore, Nickelback and more. Since its inception in 2007, the company has marketed artists to more than a billion fans worldwide.