Ken White

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Board of Directors has named Ken White as the association’s new Executive Director, effective Oct. 2, following the completion of IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina.

White joins the IBMA with a wealth of experience in bluegrass music and business leadership. Raised on the music of Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley and Tony Rice, the Kentucky native fell asleep many nights with an ear next to the family hi-fi. As a result, he cinched the Kentucky State Banjo Championship at age 14.

He studied guitar with the late, great jazz icon Jimmy Raney at the University of Louisville Music School, while continuing to record, perform and tour with bluegrass and Americana luminaries in acclaimed venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, RockyGrass, Walnut Valley Festival, IBMA World of Bluegrass and The Station Inn, where he spent many nights listening, playing or helping restock the bar.

White has written for and performed with the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. His multi-instrumental prowess can be heard on many recordings, most recently, a catalog of music he has co-written with his wife, Robin Macy, inspired by Bartlett Arboretum, in Belle Plaine, Kansas, the place they’ve called home for over two decades.

In 2002, he and award-winning designer Nicole Howerton formed Howerton+White, an integrated marketing agency. For over 20 years, White has led the company’s expansion and ongoing integration of marketing and media platforms. Under his leadership, Howerton+White has become a multimillion-dollar business with more than 40 active clients on the roster.

White has also been actively involved in several community organizations. He has served as President of the Wichita Jazz Festival, and has co-produced a popular seasonal concert series at Bartlett Arboretum for 17 years. White currently serves on the Wichita Symphony Orchestra Board as well.

“IBMA is an enthusiastic international organization with a diverse and welcoming membership,” says Dan Boner, IBMA Board Chair. “That was on our minds throughout the interview and selection processes, and Ken demonstrated, very naturally, that he understands the needs and interests of all people who love bluegrass music and work to make it their livelihood.”

White will assume the position currently held by Paul Schiminger, the Interim Executive Director. Schiminger, an IBMA board member, was asked in March to temporarily step back into the role he held for six years before retiring in 2021.

“There were a handful of excellent candidates for the role, but Ken’s knowledge of our music and its community, along with his demonstrated business skills, made him stand out. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Ken through the process, and I’m excited to know the IBMA will be in excellent hands going forward,” says Schiminger.

“A vocation that tethers both heart and mind becomes purposeful work. I have loved bluegrass music since I was a small child. My 22-year career as a business owner has defined both technology and marketing strategies. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to lead IBMA forward, fueled by these two life-long passions,” shares White.

Pictured (L-R): Chip Petree (Ritholz Levy Fields, LLP), Aubrey Daniels (KP Entertainment), Davis Corley, Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment), Rusty Gaston (CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville)

Rising songwriter Davis Corley has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and KP Entertainment.

An east Tennessee native, Davis moved to Nashville eight years ago to hone his craft as a writer and multi-instrumentalist. In addition to two Texas-chart-topping singles, “Not Too Far To Reach” by Jake Ward and “Tractor Town” by Jake Bush, Corley has had cuts by Will Jones, Dan Smalley, Trey Lewis, Ella Langley, Josh Gallagher, Spencer Crandall and others.

“Davis is a true songwriter. His unique approach creates an element in his writing that genuine and timeless. I’m absolutely honored to get to work side by side with Davis and excited for the magic that is yet come,” says Aubrey Daniels, Creative at KP Publishing.

“This is an exciting time in the ever-changing world of country music, and I’m grateful to be taking it on with a team of Nashville’s most talented and genuinely admirable people. The chance to work with Kerri Edwards and Aubrey Daniels, in addition to Rusty [Gaston] and the amazing team at Sony, feels like joining a dream team, and I couldn’t feel more blessed to have the opportunity,” shares Corley.

Casey Thomas & Joel Beaver. Photos: Robert Chavers

Monument Records has promoted two of its team members. Casey Thomas has risen to Senior Director of Marketing, Publicity and Creative, while Joel Beaver has been upped to Associate Director of Marketing.

In her expanded role, Thomas will continue to oversee publicity and creative services while taking a more active role in marketing strategy. Beaver will be responsible for marketing, brand partnerships, international and sync relations for the labels’ roster including artists Alex Hall, Walker Hayes, Pillbox Patti, Brandon Ratcliff, Caitlyn Smith and Tigirlily Gold.

Monument’s GM Katie McCartney says, “Casey’s strategic view has broadened extensively over the years she has been with us which led to this natural expansion of her role. Her passion for our artists and work ethic are unmatched and her energy is contagious.” She adds, “It’s been a joy to watch Joel’s growth since our launch. From student to project lead, his attention to detail and precision have been vital for our success. Both Casey and Joel see the whole picture which is critical to Monument’s mission”

Thomas notes, “I couldn’t dream up a better company to work for than Monument Records. I’ve been so fortunate to get to learn from Katie McCartney, Shane McAnally and Jason Owen every day for the last five years. Their vision, not only for this company and our artists, but for country music as a genre, is so inspiring. I’m grateful for the many opportunities they have trusted me with in my time here, and couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds.”

“From launching Tigirlily Gold, to marketing the success of Walker Hayes’ global hit ‘Fancy Like,’ it’s so exciting to be a part of the artistry and innovation that the Monument artist roster and staff embody,” Beaver adds. “It feels like we’re just getting started with so much immense talent on our roster.”

Thomas, a Boston, Massachusetts native, earned her her Bachelor’s degree from Colby College and Master’s degree from Boston College. She joined Monument from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Starting as a manager of PR in 2018, she was later elevated to Publicist and, until recently, Director of PR and Creative. Thomas has been responsible for the press operations and working on behalf of the label to help manage communications and press strategy for Monument artists.

Beaver moved to Nashville from West Virginia in 2015. After some time at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), he finished his degree at Belmont. He joined Monument Records in 2017 as the label’s first intern shortly after its re-launch and quickly got hired as a staff member before graduating college in 2018. During his nearly seven years at Monument, Beaver has been in the center of marketing campaigns across the artist roster, most notably with superstar Hayes and his multifaceted “Fancy Like” campaign with Applebee’s, as well as launching sister-duo Tigirlily Gold. Beaver was selected for the Recording Academy’s 2023 New Member Class and has been involved in CMA EDU, the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Troubadour Society and SOLID.

Congratulate Thomas at casey.thomas@sonymusic.com and Beaver at joel.beaver@sonymusic.com.

Jess Montero. Photo: Courtesy of Jess Montero

Jess Montero has joined Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) as Senior HR Manager.

Montero comes to the HYBE America subsidiary with years of experience working with a variety of businesses and industries from start-ups to global corporations. Reporting to Andrew Kautz, she will work closely with the label group’s leadership team and HYBE HR to usher in and foster executive talent.

“Jess brings a great wealth of knowledge and strategy to Big Machine Label Group,” says BMLG CEO & Chairman Scott Borchetta. “We are only as good as our people and her focus to help build a stronger team and seek out the best talent is critical to our growth.”

Prior to BMLG, Montero served as VP of HR Operations for Lynn HR Consulting, supporting clients across the country with their HR and business needs, from strategy to implementation and beyond. The Miami native and avid music lover moved to Nashville in 2015 to receive her Masters in organization leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. In addition to several HR roles, the SHRM-certified professional also has worked in events and retail management.

“My love for music brought me to Nashville, so having a seat at the Big Machine Label Group table is really a full circle moment for me,” shares Montero. “I’m excited to hit the ground running and work with such a brilliant team.”

She is based in Nashville and can be reached at jess.montero@bmlg.net.

Sara Evans Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of ‘Restless’ With Surprises

Pictured (L-R): Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Sara Evans, Lady A’s Hillary Scott and Carly Pearce. Photo: Andy Baxter

Sara Evans celebrated the 20th anniversary of her album Restless at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Thursday night (Aug. 17) with some surprises.

After welcoming the crowd to the sold-out celebration, Evans dove into the Restless album, telling stories and welcoming guests to the stage along the way. Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady A joined for a powerful performance of “Tonight,” and Carly Pearce topped it off with a roof-raising rendition of the No. 1 smash “Suds In The Bucket.”

Pearce then called Kelley and Haywood back to the stage and welcomed Lady A’s Hillary Scott to surprise Evans with a Platinum plaque for the hit.

After the plaque presentation, Scott brought out Grand Ole Opry member and legend Bill Anderson, who recalled seeing Evans in a small warehouse showcase where she performed songs from her forthcoming debut album, one of them being “Walk Out Backwards,” a song he had written and recorded in the early 1960’s. Anderson told Evans he had two questions for her. He first asked if she could sing a bit of that song to which she immediately broke out in a verse and chorus of the vintage tune.

Next, Anderson asked would she like to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, to which Evans tearfully and playfully said “No,” followed by “Of course, I would never say no to that question.” He then played a video message from Dolly Parton, congratulating her. After gathering her emotions, Evans rounded out the evening with “No Place That Far,” “I Keep Looking” and “A Little Bit Stronger” with Scott, who co-wrote the song, and “Born To Fly.”

Justin Moore Headlines WME & PBR’s Whiskey Jam Takeover

Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, Big Machine Label Group’s Brooke Nixon, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg and The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner; (L-R, front row): The Valory Music Co.’s Laura Moxley, L3 Entertainment’s Joey Gonzales, Big Machine Label Group’s Athena Puharic, Meghan Kane, Sandi Spika Borchetta and Scott Borchetta, L3 Entertainment’s Pete Hartung, L3 Entertainment’s Cody Villalobos and WME’s Lane Wilson

Justin Moore made his debut appearance at Nashville’s Whiskey Jam outdoor concert series as he headlined the WME and PBR takeover on Thursday (Aug. 17).

He sang to a packed crowd that included his team at The Valory Music Co., L3 Entertainment and WME.

Moore also recently earned his 12th Mediabase/Country Airplay No. 1 with “You, Me, And Whiskey,” his duet with Priscilla Block.

Randall King Hosts KingFest In Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, Randall King and Warner Music Nashville’s Shane Tarleton

Warner Music Nashville artist Randall King hosted KingFest at The Nashville Palace this past weekend. The two-day branded festival event featured support from Tyler Booth, Braxton Keith, Drake Milligan and Jon Stork.

King recently release two new songs, “The One You’re Waiting On” and “Hard To Be Humble.” The son of a working man, King was raised on the influences of country music greats Alan Jackson, George Strait, Keith Whitley and more. His neo-traditional style a byproduct of living life the way he often heard reflected in their lyrics, which is highlighted on the new tracks.

ACM & Black Music Action Coalition Host OnRamp Workshop On Touring

Pictured (L-R): OnRamp inaugural class members with workshop panelists Stephanie Davenport, ACM LEVel Up 2022 cohort member and Senior Director, A&R, Warner Music Nashville; Morgan Kenney, ACM LEVel Up 2022 cohort member and Agent, WME; Caitlin Cadden, Director, International Touring, Warner Music Nashville; and Otto Price, Agent, WME. Photo: Courtesy of ACM

Last week, members of the OnRamp program gathered with professionals from the music touring space at the Academy of Country Music’s Nashville headquarters for an informational workshop exploring agency relationships, booking and international touring strategy.

ACM and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) created the OnRamp program to improve inclusivity and equity within Music City. The program seeks to empower the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers by granting access to professional development opportunities, community mentorship, and other resources to increase personal growth and industry exposure, including exclusive ACM membership panels and tentpole live events as well as visibility with the ACM Board and other industry leaders.

Lightning 100 Announces Third Annual Girls Write Nashville Benefit

Nashville independent radio institution Lightning 100 will host its third annual fundraiser for Girls Write Nashville (GWN), a nonprofit that aims to empower expression through songwriting, production, mentorship and creative community building for teen artists, on Oct. 8.

The event is a part of Lightning 100’s ongoing concert series, Nashville Sunday Night. Proceeds from the all-ages show will go toward supporting GWN’s programming.

Airing live on Lightning 100, the show will start with Nashville artists Crystal Rose, Purser and Eva Cassel along with GWN student program participant Magdalene performing in the round, which mimics how the GWN program operates, in an open and authentic way. The lineup also includes artists Katie Pruitt and Daisha McBride, who will perform sets during the second hour.

The benefit will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. CT. For more information, click here.