Miranda Lambert’s Show At The Truth To Stream As Amazon Music ‘Songline Live’

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert is inviting fans inside her sold-out, one-night-only performance opening Nashville’s newest venue, The Truth, through a special Amazon Music Songline Live broadcast, premiering Oct. 7 on Amazon Music, Prime Video and Twitch.

Recording live at The Truth on Oct. 1, the special Songline Live episode will offer fans who couldn’t be in the room an opportunity to experience Lambert’s performance of select tracks from her new album Crisco tracks and her catalog of hits, all accompanied by a 12-piece string section.

The Oct. 1 concert marks the first of two special album-release celebrations for Lambert, who will follow the Nashville show with a home state performance at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth on Oct. 6. Both venues will host free pre-show parties open to the public from 4-8 p.m., giving fans the chance to celebrate Crisco ahead of each show with a variety of activations, including a photo booth, chain stitching and early access to merchandise. Fans can also support MuttNation’s “Fill the Little Red Wagon” campaign by bringing a pet supply donation for a chance to win a signed Crisco CD.

Crisco weaves together heartbreak and hope, highways and honky-tonks, rhinestones and roller skates. The album features previously-released tracks “A Song To Sing” with Chris Stapleton, the title track, “Till The Going’s Gone,” “Sunset Marquis” “Two Things Can Be True,” and opening track and forthcoming radio single “Snakeskin Boots” with Ella Langley.

Eric Church Unveils First-Ever Australian Headline Dates

Eric Church. Photo: Anthony D’Angio

Eric Church has unveiled his first ever Australian headline dates, set for March 2027.

Joined by special guest Parker McCollum, Church will take the stage at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on March 13 and Afterpay Arena in Sydney on March 16, before heading to Queensland to headline CMC Rocks QLD’s 20th anniversary celebration on March 20.

“Australia, we heard you, and we’re on our way,” Church shares. “It’s been a long time coming, and we’re damn excited to finally bring this show to you. We’re gonna pack as much as we can into these nights, so come early, stay late and let’s make up for lost time.”

Tickets for the arena shows go on sale Oct. 1 at 12 p.m. local time, following fan club pre-sale.

Church will also join as special guest on Kenny Chesney’s recently announced all-stadium “Original Vibe Room Tour 2027,” kicking off at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on April 24 and running through Aug. 28 at Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium.

Eric Church Australia Dates: 
March 13 – Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne
March 16 – Afterpay Arena – Sydney
March 20 – CMC Rocks QLD’s 20th Anniversary Celebration – Queensland

CMA Reveals 2026 CMA International Award Honorees

Pictured (L-R, top row): Dayna Bourgoin, Alex Hannaby and Bob Harris. (L-R, bottom row): Rachel Lloyd, James Johnston, Lainey Wilson

The Country Music Association has unveiled the winners of the 2026 CMA International Awards, recognizing individuals who have helped bring country music to audiences around the world. The honorees will be celebrated at a reception in downtown Nashville on Nov. 17 and recognized during the pre-telecast ceremony for The 60th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 18.

This year’s honorees received the news through a series of surprises. On Sept. 23, Darius Rucker surprised four recipients on a Zoom call: Dayna Bourgoin, National Music Director & Industry Relations at iHeartRadio Canada/Pure Country Radio, Alex Hannaby, SVP of International Marketing and Operations at HYBE Global Label Services, BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Bob Harris, and AEG Presents U.K. promoter Rachel Lloyd.

The following day, Ashley McBryde surprised Australian Country artist James Johnston with the news at the Grand Ole Opry. On Sept. 28, CMA Incoming CEO Brittany Schaffer surprised Lainey Wilson during a Zoom call.

“Some of my favorite moments in this job have been standing in a crowd overseas and experiencing how deeply fans connect with Country Music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “That kind of connection doesn’t happen without people who believe in this music and put in the work to share it. The Country Music community is global, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

Bourgoin will receive the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award, honoring her contributions to country music media outside the U.S.

A 27-year veteran of the music and broadcasting industry, Bourgoin leads music programming and national content development for Pure Country Radio. She has supported Canadian country music throughout her career, helping develop artists including Dean Brody, High Valley and The Road Hammers during her time at CMT Canada. She also helped launch Dallas Smith’s country career at 604 Records and was part of the team that rebranded 16 Canadian stations as Pure Country, the country’s first national country radio brand. Bourgoin also serves as Vice Chair of the CMA Canadian Task Force.

Hannaby will receive the CMA Jo Walker-Meador International Award, recognizing her work supporting and expanding country music in markets outside the U.S.

She has spent more than a decade working in international music marketing, with experience at Universal Music, Big Machine and now HYBE Global Label Services. As SVP of International Marketing and Operations, she works with the Blue Highway Records roster, including Thomas Rhett, Midland and Jackson Dean, while also supporting international campaigns for Riley Green and Dolly Parton. She serves as Vice Chair of the CMA U.K. Task Force, sits on the BPI Council and helped launch the U.K.’s first official country music radio chart.

Harris will receive the International Country Broadcaster Award for his contributions to the growth of country music outside the U.S.

He has spent more than five decades in broadcasting and joined the BBC in 1970. He became widely known as the host of The Old Grey Whistle Test and later launched the BBC Radio 2 Country Show, helping connect U.K. audiences with Nashville and country music. A four-time CMA International Broadcaster of the Year, Harris also received the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award in 2012. He was named an OBE in 2011 for his contributions to British music and culture.

Johnston will receive the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, honoring an internationally based country artist for outstanding global achievements.

The Australian artist has expanded his reach with sold-out shows across the U.K. and a growing audience in North America and Europe. A three-time Golden Guitar Award winner and ARIA Award nominee, Johnston has earned more than 165 million global streams. His debut album, RAISED LIKE THAT, spent 35 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart.

Lloyd will receive the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award for her work expanding country music’s live audience and performance opportunities outside the U.S.

She has helped grow country music’s presence in the U.K. throughout her career. She has been a promoter with AEG Presents U.K. since 2021, where she works on C2C Festival and oversees a touring roster that includes club, academy, theater and arena shows. Before joining AEG, she worked in WME’s London music department and at Warner Records.

Wilson will receive the International Artist Achievement Award, recognizing a U.S.-based artist for her creative growth and support of country music internationally.

She has taken her music around the world with her sold-out “Whirlwind World Tour” across Europe and North America. The 12-time CMA Award winner and reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year will host The 60th Annual CMA Awards for the third consecutive year. She was also inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2024. Her latest album, Whirlwind, received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album and reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and No. 13 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart.

Industry Ink: Vincent Mason, Evergreen Artist Group, Jarrod Morris, More

Parker McCollum Gives Vincent Mason Platinum Surprise

Parker McCollum and Vincent Mason. Photo: Ethan D’Sa

Vincent Mason was surprised by Parker McCollum during McCollum’s final tour stop at Doggett Ford Park Arena in Beaumont, Texas with the news that his latest hit, “Damned If I Do,” has officially been certified Platinum by the RIAA. Mason has enjoyed a breakout year that included a 2026 ACM New Male Artist of the Year nomination, more than 500 million career streams, and chart success on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs chart.

 

Evergreen Artist Group Establishes Headquarters In Central Texas

Pictured (L-R): Kaylee Hitter (Agent), Jodi Cockrell (Agent), Andrew McWilliams (Founder / Owner), Elise Steffen (Operations Manager), Lila Woodland (Agent). Photo: Ariel Hernandez

Independent music booking agency Evergreen Artist Group has planted roots in both Austin and Buda, Texas, with primary headquarters in Buda, and an additional satellite office at the heart of the Texas music scene in Downtown Austin. Founded in 2022 by industry veteran Andrew McWilliams, the firm represents clients including Treaty Oak Revival, Hudson Westbrook, Gabe Lee, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Slade Coulter, Logan Ryan Band, Tyce Delk, Kyle Gates, Parker Ryan, Huser Brothers, Gannon Fremin & CCREV, Dylan Wheeler, and Dustin De La Garza. Earlier this month, Evergreen Artist Group announced the signing of Santa Anna Records’ singer / songwriter Kyle Gates,with additional signings forthcoming.

“For decades, Texas has produced more than its fair share of national and international touring artists, including some we’re fortunate and proud to represent,” McWilliams shares. “It’s a scene where artists still focus on what matters most: selling tickets and playing live. We’re proud to plant our flag right in the middle of it all while working towards bringing these acts into the national spotlight.”

 

Jarrod Morris Inks With Dreamer Management

Pictured (L-R): Dreamer Management Co-Founder Randy Rogers, Dreamer’s Samantha Dane, Jarrod Morris, Dreamer’s Catherine Dickson, Dreamer Management Co-Founder Elic Goicoechea

Singer-songwriter Jarrod Morris has signed with Austin-based artist management company Dreamer Management. Winner of the Larry Joe Taylor Songwriter Showcase in 2018, Morris released his debut album, West of East, in 2019. As a songwriter, he co-wrote the track “Big Sky” featured on Parker McCollum’s self-titled 2025 album, which took home the 2026 ACM Award for Album of the Year. Morris’s latest album, Day Money, released in 2025.

“We are very excited to work with Jarrod. With his fresh take on Texas music, our whole team, including Randy, Samantha, and Catherine, is thrilled to continue this journey with him,” said Elic Goicoechea, co-founder of Dreamer Management.

 

Musicians On Call Honors Dolly With “9 to 5 Day” Programs Across The Country

Pictured (L-R): Pete Griffin, Belle Frantz and Shane Tarleton at Musicians On Call’s 9 to 5 Day celebration at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. Photo: Musicians On Call

Musicians On Call, the nation’s leading provider of live music in hospitals, honored Dolly Parton by dedicating programs across the country to her remarkable legacy as part of MOC’s “9 to 5 Day” on Sept. 25. Throughout the day, MOC Volunteer Musicians brought live music to patients, families, veterans, caregivers and staff at facilities in Middle Tennessee, Chicago, Denver, New York, Richmond, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

At TriStar Centennial Medical Center, country artist Belle Frantz performed, sharing music and celebrating the joy Dolly brought to generations of fans. In Nashville and Murfreesboro, eight facilities took part in the tribute, including TriStar Centennial Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville VA Medical Center, Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital, Vanderbilt Pediatric Behavioral Health, and Alive Hospice.

 

‘Give Like Dolly Day’ Kicks Off With $200,000 In Donations For Middle Tennessee Nonprofits

The Tennessee Titans Foundation, Amazon, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and Music Community Foundation collectively contributed over $200,000 to support local organizations carrying forward Dolly Parton’s lifelong spirit of generosity for Give Like Dolly Day in Middle Tennessee. The combined $200,000 in contributions will directly support 21 Middle Tennessee nonprofits selected to participate in Give Like Dolly, the three-day giving campaign Sept. 25–27 that was part of the broader Dolly Day celebration. Inspired by Dolly Parton’s extraordinary legacy of giving back, Give Like Dolly invited people across Middle Tennessee and beyond to celebrate her example by supporting local organizations and causes close to Parton’s heart.

 

The Paley Museum Launches ‘Southern Rounds’ Songwriter Series With Hannah Dasher, Kevin MaC, D. Vincent Williams

Pictured (L-R): D. Vincent Williams, Hannah Dasher, Maureen J. Reidy, Richard Blackstone, and Kevin MaC. Photo: Courtesy of The Paley Museum

The Paley Museum and Southern Rounds kicked off Southern Rounds: Bringing Nashville to New York!, The Paley Center for Media’s new six-part monthly songwriter series bringing Nashville’s songwriter-round tradition to New York City. The inaugural event featured Hannah Dasher, Kevin MaC and D. Vincent Williams, who gathered at The Paley Museum for an intimate evening celebrating the stories, inspiration and creative process behind some of country’s biggest songs.

The evening began with a masterclass workshop led by Kevin MaC and D. Vincent Williams, where guests got an inside look at the craft and creative process behind songwriting. The songwriters then took the stage at the Bennack Theater for an intimate performance. The event marked the kickoff of The Paley Center for Media’s new music initiative, which will bring artists, songwriters and music makers to The Paley Museum for songwriter showcases, listening parties, workshops, master classes and more.

 

Cam Cropper Wins World Series of Golf Playoffs At Music City’s Topgolf

Cam Cropper of Nashville punched his ticket to the World Series of Golf National Finals on Oct. 2, besting the field at the local Satellite Series qualifier at Topgolf in Nashville to become one of 30 finalists heading to Topgolf Scottsdale in Arizona. Cropper is the son of Steve Cropper, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist and co-writer of classic hits, including (Sittin’ on) the Dock of The Bay,” “Soul Man” and “In the Midnight Hour.”

The World Series of Golf established the Satellite Series to search for the most optimal 30 finalists the hard way: through live qualifying events at Topgolf venues in 11 states, open to any golfer willing to show up and compete. Preston Brust of country duo LoCash and Nash Production’s Mike Nash were both Satellite Series runner-ups.

 

Payton Howie Signs With West Village Entertainment

Payton Howie and team

Payton Howie has signed with the Christy DiNapoli-led West Village Entertainment. The singer-songwriter is preparing to release the fiery new track co-written with Brady Seals and Bill Whyte, “Truck Bed,” capturing the fearless personality Howie has brought to US and global stages. The West Coast native was recently recognized as a Top 5 finalist in USA Today’s High Impact Awards.

Nashville Symphony To Suspend Remainder Of ’26-27 Season Due To Financial Crisis

Nashville Symphony

The Nashville Symphony has suspended the remainder of its 2026–27 season and will furlough dozens of employees due to financial woes effective Oct. 18.

The Board of Directors approved the decision as the first step in a plan to put the Symphony on sound financial footing as it faces a current fiscal year operating budget with a $10 million deficit. The move affects 27 full-time staff members and all 77 members of the Nashville Symphony orchestra.

Music Director Leonard Slatkin will lead his final concerts of this season on Oct. 16–17, and several events at Schermerhorn Symphony Center will go on as planned, including the Symphony Ball (Dec. 12), the Symphony Fashion Show (April 27), The Legendary Life of Tom Petty (Oct. 18), No Small Endeavor LIVE (Nov. 22), and holiday concerts with Ricky Skaggs (Dec. 8), Dave Barnes (Dec. 10), and Drew and Ellie Holcomb (Dec. 11). For fans who have tickets to those shows, nothing changes. Weddings and other building rentals will also take place without disruption, and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center remains available for future event bookings.

Those holding tickets to a 2026–27 season concert scheduled after Oct. 18 will receive an email from the Symphony by the end of this week with details on next steps and can elect to keep the ticket value as a credit on their account for a future performance, or convert it to a tax-deductible donation to the Nashville Symphony.

Nashville Symphony President and CEO Mark Cantrell issued an update on the symphony, saying: “Nashville deserves a flourishing orchestra, and I’m confident ours will return stronger than ever. We are working diligently in partnership with our musicians to bring back concerts as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience, your trust, and your love for this music. If you wish to show your support, we invite you to contribute to the future of the Symphony here.”

Will Bundy Inks With Back Blocks Music

Pictured (L-R): Kirby Mathews (Back Blocks Music), T.D. Ruth (Ritholz Levy Fields LLP), Will Bundy, Rakiyah Marshall (Back Blocks Music) and Elizabeh Cook (Back Blocks Music)

Award-winning songwriter and producer Will Bundy has signed with Back Blocks Music. The deal includes Bundy’s future works, as well as a selection of songs from his catalog, marking Back Block’s first catalog acquisition.

Bundy has become a notable songwriter and producer in the country music community, with more than 300 songs to his name. As a producer, Bundy worked on Ella Langley’s hungover album, which features No. 1 hits “weren’t for the wind” and “you look like you love me.” His work on the project earned him three ACM Awards and two CMA Awards.

As a songwriter, Bundy has earned three No. 1s with Thomas Rhett and Riley Green’s “Half of Me,” John Morgan’s “Friends Like That (featuring Jason Aldean)” and Justin Moore’s “Time’s Ticking.” He has also worked with Keith Urban, Jon Pardi, Parker McCollum, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Lauren Watkins, Larry Fleet, Graham Barham, Chase Matthew, Cole Swindell, McCoy Moore and others.

“I’ve known Rakiyah [Marshall] for a long time and I’ve always admired what all she has accomplished. When it came time to figure out my next move, she was at the top of the list,” shares Bundy. “I’ve since gotten to know the incredible team she’s built and the way they approach developing careers and I’m really excited to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to writing, producing and creating with a team that believes in the long game.”

“Will is the kind of songwriter and producer we built Back Blocks for,” adds Marshall, Founder of Back Blocks Music. “He has an incredible instinct for songs, he understands records from the ground up and he has already built an impressive career by simply following his curiosity and love for making music. I’m thrilled that we now get to be part of what comes next. I know this is just the beginning for Will and we’re excited to help him continue to grow as a writer, producer and creative.”

Bundy’s musical style was shaped by artists such as John Mayer, Keith Urban, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Steve Miller Band, along with the bluegrass music he heard growing up near the Carter Family Fold. He picked up the guitar at 12 and started a lawn care business to help pay for his music. By 15, he was performing locally and recording songs in his parents’ attic while telling his teacher that music could be a career.

At 19, Bundy moved from his family’s cattle farm in Lebanon, Virginia, to Nashville. He spent his mornings mowing lawns, his days writing and his nights playing rounds. As other writers and artists began hearing his demos, they started asking him to record theirs, giving Bundy the opportunity to develop his skills as a producer. He eventually left lawn care behind to pursue music full time as a songwriter and producer.

ECCHO Live Announces Chuck Hull As 2026 Workshop Keynote Speaker

Chuck Hull. Photo: Enis Demirci

Veteran tour manager, audio engineer, and ECCHO Live Board Member Chuck Hull will be this year’s keynote speaker at the free 15th annual ECCHO Live Workshop Nov. 10 at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville.

Hull will lead a conversation titled EVOLVE, reflecting on the changes that have shaped the live events industry and the lessons learned throughout his more than five-decade career. Hull began his career in audio with Clair Brothers in the early 1970s, embarking on a journey in live music that would span more than five decades. He later spent 20 years as tour manager for Keith Urban before retiring from touring in 2024. Having experienced firsthand the technological, cultural and professional changes that have reshaped the touring industry, he brings a unique perspective to a conversation centered on what it means to evolve, both personally and professionally, over the course of a career.

The sessions will address career development, leadership, health, business and the changing tools of touring. Speakers and moderators for the sessions, along with additional programming details, will be announced over the coming weeks. Live event professionals can now register here. Space is limited, and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Founded in 2011 as Touring Career Workshop, the event began as a single-day gathering created to answer HR-related questions for people working in live touring. Fifteen years later, ECCHO Live supports the industry year-round with resources focused on mental health, financial wellness, career development and building a sustainable life in live events.

Grand Ole Opry & JPMorganChase Form Strategic Multi-Year Partnership

Photo: Chris Hollo

Opry Entertainment Group LLC and JPMorganChase have formed a multi-year partnership agreement, making the firm the Official Partner of the Grand Ole Opry.

Through the partnership, Chase debit and credit cardholders visiting Opry will enjoy exclusive benefits like early access to tickets, exclusive seat access, savings and offerings at concessions, retail and daytime tours and access to post-show and private events. The company will also serve as a supporting sponsor of the annual Opry Community Day.

Chase will also serve as the Presenting Partner of Opry Encore, a new series of intimate post-show performances held in the Circle Room of the Opry House. Each event will feature a private, one-hour performance and an interactive Q&A session with a featured artist.

“The Grand Ole Opry is more than an iconic music venue. It’s the most famous stage in country music history and a cornerstone of Nashville’s culture and community, known for launching legends and hosting iconic names in all genres of music today,” shares Lauren Carnicelli, Chair of JPMorganChase’s Market Leadership Team in Tennessee and Middle and East Tennessee Market Executive for Commercial Banking. “As our presence in Tennessee continues to grow, we’re proud to deepen our investment through this partnership. From expanding access to banking services to creating local jobs, we’re committed to Nashville and look forward to creating unique experiences for Opry fans.”

“We are proud to partner with JPMorganChase to bring exclusive Grand Ole Opry experiences to its cardholders and create new opportunities for people to visit the Opry,” says Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group. “For more than 100 years, the Opry’s purpose has been to bring artists and fans together and create unforgettable moments through music. We value partners who share our commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences while also making it a priority to give back to the communities we serve. We look forward to working alongside JPMorganChase to bring these shared values to life through this new partnership.”

Kenny Chesney Earns 37th Chart-Topper With ‘Carry On’

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney has earned his 37th No. 1 hit with “Carry On,” topping Country Aircheck/Mediabase Country. The song was penned by Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill and Matt Jenkins.

The track marks Chesney’s 100th charting single and became the first indie and only the third single to close the entire radio panel in its first week. As Chesney’s 62nd Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, it set a second record for the most country Top 10s.

“When they tell me this stuff, it’s a lot to take in,” Chesney says. “It gets harder the more you do this to find songs that stand out from what you’ve done, that say things you want to say – and you think other people will find themselves in, too. That’s really the point: the connection. Like my tours, I want this music to bring people together, to lift them up.”

His newest single, “Remember Me That Way,” is the No. 1 Most Added Song this week, marking the first time Chesney had both distinctions at the same time.

“Carry On” is featured on Chesney’s recently released 21st album, Silver Sands Marina. He celebrated the release of the project last week with a Nashville release show at The Pinnacle.

Chesney will return to stadiums next year on the “Original Vibe Room Tour 2027.” The 19-date run kicks off April 24 for his eighth appearance at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium with stops planned for Arlington, Philadelphia, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte and more.

Kinsley Signs With WME

Kyle Quigley (Morris Higham Management), Kinsley and Kanan Vitolo (WME). Photo: Courtesy of WME

Kinsley has inked with WME for global representation.

“I’ve been dreaming about getting these songs out into the world and getting to play them live,” shares Kinsley. “Having a team like WME in my corner as we start developing that side of my career is really exciting, and I can’t wait to see what we build together. I’m beyond thankful for their belief in me.”

“We were immediately drawn to Kinsley’s songwriting and the way she connects with people through her music,” adds WME’s Kanan Vitolo. “She has a really clear voice as an artist, and there’s so much room for her to grow. We’re thrilled to be working with her as she brings these songs to audiences for the first time.”

The 22 year-old Nashville-based artist grew up in California, Texas and Tennessee and has always had a passion for writing and poetry. She originally began sharing music online through her “Midnight Sessions” series. Recently signed to MCA, the singer-songwriter released her debut six-song EP, Learn To Live, last Friday (Sept. 25). The project features co-writes with Lauren Hungate, Clara Park, Caitlyn Smith, Josh Kerr and more.