Rendering of new Titans stadium. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans
The newly created Music City Host Committee, made up of Nashville business leaders and chaired by former Tennessee Governor and current majority owner of the Nashville Predators Bill Haslam, has been tasked with helping book major events for the newly approved enclosed stadium entertainment complex and raising private funds to support them.
On the top of their list will be booking the Super Bowl, 2031 NCAA Men’s Final Four and college football National Championship.
“I am excited about what the new stadium can mean for Nashville and the State of Tennessee. Our committee intends to make sure the stadium is the home of great events that will generate excitement and revenue for years to come,” says Haslam. “I am thankful to the NCVC for their work in making Nashville a global events city, and I appreciate these business leaders for their dedication to ensure the stadium benefits the city, local businesses and residents.”
Mayor John Cooper requested that the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) immediately start booking events for the stadium once it was approved by the Metro Council in April. Most major sporting events and large conventions are booked several years in advance.
Deana Ivey, NCVC President and incoming CEO, and Scott Wright, NCVC Senior Vice President, Sales, will serve as ex-officio members.
“We know that hosting major global events will require from $10 million to $50 million each in private funds, and we are grateful these leaders stepped up to help strategize on which major events to go after and help raise the money we will need once Nashville is chosen,” says Ivey. “With an enclosed stadium, new hotels and a compact downtown campus, Music City is finally situated to host the world’s biggest meetings and events.”
Members of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Music City Host Committee include the following:
Chair, Bill Haslam, Former Governor of Tennessee and Owner, Nashville Predators
Beth Chase, Entrepreneur and Founder, C3/Consulting
Eric Church, Country Music Artist
Eddie George, Head Football Coach, Tennessee State University
John Ingram, Majority Owner, Nashville SC, and Chairman, Ingram Industries Inc.
Kevin Lavender, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking, Fifth Third Bancorp
Cary Mack, Managing Partner, Southwest Value Partners
Rob McCabe, Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Stuart McWhorter, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
Burke Nihill, President & CEO, Tennessee Titans
Howie Nuchow, Co-Head, CAA Sports
Colin Reed, Executive Chairman, Ryman Hospitality Properties
Butch Spyridon, Outgoing CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, and Strategic Consultant
Ben Weprin, Founder & CEO, AJ Capital Partners
Marcus Whitney, Founding Partner, Jumpstart Health Investors, and Minority Owner, Nashville SC
Carol Yochem, President First Horizon Bank, Middle Tennessee Region
Lineup Revealed For ‘CMA Fest’ Special
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Dierks Bentley, Lainey Wilson and Elle King. Photo: CMA/ABC
The Country Music Association has announced the performers for the upcoming CMA Fest primetime television special, airing July 19 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
Hosted by Dierks Bentley, Elle King and Lainey Wilson, the three-hour concert event features can’t-miss collaborations and special performances from last month’s 50th anniversary of CMA Fest in Nashville.
Featured performers include Bentley, King, Wilson Alabama, Jason Aldean, Leon Bridges, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Avril Lavigne, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Tanya Tucker and Keith Urban.
CMA Fest will also be available July 20 on Hulu. Leading up to the CMA Fest special on July 19, viewers can watch the broadcast debut of CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair, airing July 18 at 8 p.m. CT on ABC. The CMA-produced documentary celebrates the unique history of the largest and longest-running country music festival, including exclusive artist interviews and never-before-seen archival content.
Elton John’s ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ Concludes In Stockholm
/by Caela GriffinElton John performs final show. Photo: Ben Gibson / Rocket Entertainment
Elton John‘s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour reached its conclusion on July 8 in Stockholm, Sweden at the Tele2 Arena. This landmark 330th and final date marked the end of a historic tour which sees John say farewell to over 50 years on the road. The “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour kicked off on September 10th, 2018, in North America and has subsequently seen John play to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America and Australasia regions.
Elton John performs final show. Photo: Ben Gibson / Rocket Entertainment
The show featured some of John’s most beloved songs from his legendary catalog, including “Bennie and the Jets,” “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Philadelphia Freedom” climaxing in a three-song encore of “Cold Heart,” “Your Song” and a thrilling finale of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
After leaving the stage, John said, “When we set off on my final tour in 2018, I couldn’t have foreseen in my wildest dreams the twists and turns and the highs and lows this tour—and the whole world—would have experienced in the next 5 years. And every step of the way, my fans have been there. They have stuck with me, they have supported me, they have been patient, and they have kept turning out for every single last show. Tonight has been magical. I’m trying to process it, and I don’t think it will sink in for a while yet that I’m finally finished touring. I can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss the fans and how much their support has humbled me—it will stay with me forever.”
Elton John performs final show. Photo: Ben Gibson / Rocket Entertainment
John also gave a send-off to his incredible band mates who have joined him on stage throughout the tour—and the previous 50 years—including Davey Johnstone (Musical Director, guitar, and backup vocals, Nigel Olsson (drums), Ray Cooper (percussion), John Mahon (percussion), Kim Bullard (keyboards) and Matt Bissonette (bass).
Having played almost 4,600 shows in 80 countries during his half century, John made the decision in 2017 to come off the road and dedicate more time to his family. The ensuing “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” has broken records and achieved high realms of critical and commercial success.
The U.S. leg of the tour, which included eight nights at Madison Square Garden, finished with three sold-out shows at Dodger Stadium, the last of which was live-streamed on Disney + in every single territory as Elton John: Farewell From Dodger Stadium.
Jelly Roll Announced As A Headliner For Gulf Coast Jam 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll. Photo: Ashley Osborn
Jelly Roll has been announced as a headliner of next year’s 12th Annual Gulf Coast Jam, presented by Jim Beam.
He will headline the Jam on Friday, May 31, with Morgan Wallen set to headline the Sunday night event, set in Panama City Beach for May 30 – June 2, 2024.
“Jelly Roll is absolutely exploding, and he was one of the top artists our Jammers kept raving about when we started putting our lineup together,” shares festival Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “We can’t be more excited to have him as one of our headliners next year.”
This year’s Gulf Coast Jam was headlined by Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown and Hardy. The event drew 30,000 fans to the Florida Panhandle and recorded its first-ever sellout.
Four-day general admission, first responder/medical personnel, military and college passes are available at GulfCoastJam.com. Additional headliners and the full lineup will be released in the coming weeks.
Old Dominion Scores A Record-Breaking No. 1 With Latest Hit ‘Memory Lane’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville
Old Dominion has landed a record-breaking chart-topper with their latest single, “Memory Lane.”
The track has achieved the most spins in a week by any duo or group, (breaking their own record on “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart”), and is the band’s ninth No. 1 as well as the title track of their most recent EP.
“Somehow with that first line, when it happened in the writing session, all of us were immediately zapped into our little trip to that place,” Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey muses on news of the song topping the charts. “And that happens for everyone. When people hear it, they’re transported to wherever it is for them. You can see it on their faces, and it’s amazing watching that expression [of delight] light up an entire arena.
“I can’t decide if it’s happy or sad,” admits Ramsey, who penned the song with Jessie Jo Dillon and bandmates Brad Tursi and Trevor Rosen. “The reality is I’m so glad to have that place to go to. It definitely has a bounce to it, so it feels good; but when you listen, it’s a really deep nursery rhyme. If you’re young, it’s that hopeful space, but for an adult who’s been through some stuff, it’s a pretty great place to land.”
Old Dominion is currently headlining their “No Bad Vibes Tour,” and capped off Memory Lane’s street week with two sold-out nights in front of 15,000 fans in Lake Tahoe.
Taylor Swift’s ‘Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)’ Release Makes Spotify History
/by Liza AndersonTaylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant
Taylor Swift made Spotify history on Friday (July 7) with the release of the re-recorded version of her album Speak Now, which unveiled a few tracks “from the vault” along with the project’s original songs.
Upon it’s release, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) became Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day in 2023 so far and the most-streamed country album in a single day in Spotify history.
Swift returns as a producer alongside Aaron Dessner on the vault tracks “Electric Touch (feat. Fall Out Boy),” “When Emma Falls in Love” and “Foolish One.” Jack Antonoff also co-produced three songs with Swift, including vault tracks “Castles Crumbling (feat. Hayley Williams),” “I Can See You” and “Timeless.” Christopher Rowe served as co-producer on the rest of the collection. Prior to the reveal, she previewed the song “Back to December (Taylor’s Version)” in a trailer for the new season of Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty series.
Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) Track Listing:
1. “Mine”
2. “Sparks Fly”
3. “Back to December”
4. “Speak Now”
5. “Dear John”
6. “Mean”
7. “The Story of Us”
8. “Never Grow Up”
9. “Enchanted”
10. “Better than Revenge”
11. “Innocent”
12. “Haunted”
13. “Last Kiss”
14. “Long Live”
15. “Ours”
16. “Superman”
17. “Electric Touch (feat. Fall Out Boy) (From The Vault)”
18. “When Emma Falls in Love (From The Vault)”
19. “I Can See You (From The Vault)”
20. “Castles Crumbling (feat. Hayley Williams) (From The Vault)”
21. “Foolish One (From The Vault)”
22. “Timeless (From The Vault)”
Kevin ‘Chief’ Zaruk & Simon Tikhman Launch The Core Records With UMG
/by LB CantrellKevin ‘Chief’ Zaruk, Sir Lucian Grainge, Simon Tikhman. Photo: Chris Ashlee
Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, the Co-Founders of management company The Core Entertainment (TCE), have partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) to launch The Core Records. The new global label venture will sign and develop new artists, working with UMG’s global network of labels.
Tikhman and Zaruk founded TCE in partnership with Live Nation in 2019 as an independent entertainment collective with offices in Nashville and Los Angeles. TCE’s current roster includes chart-topping, genre-bending breakout star Bailey Zimmerman, Diamond-certified rock band Nickelback, country breakout star Nate Smith, hit producer Austin Shawn, pop band Valley, rising UMG Nashville artists Dillion James and Josh Ross, country newcomer Rachel Wiggins and emerging songwriter Gavin Lucas. Along with its roster of musical talent, TCE also develops film and television projects and works with professional athletes.
“We love building upon our entrepreneurial culture, and are so pleased to welcome Chief and Simon who have a reputation for identifying some of the industry’s most promising artists. We look forward to helping them grow their roster and drive global success for their artists,” shares Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, UMG.
Tikhman says, “Our goal has always been to support artists on a global scale by creating new creative and commercial paths. We’d like to thank Sir Lucian for believing in our vision and for his commitment to developing and supporting artists and entrepreneurs.”
Zaruk adds, “We’re excited for this next evolution in The Core and honored to work with Sir Lucian and the team at UMG to help us continue to guide artists to develop their careers and brands. We’ve had a great time building The Core over the past few years and are excited to create a home for new artists with the incredible resources and support from UMG.”
Nashville Film Festival Announces 54th Annual Event
/by Caela GriffinThe Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm), a week-long celebration of film, music and culture, will return for its 54th annual event from Sept. 28-Oct. 4 with film screenings, post-film Q&As with filmmakers, industry panels, live music showcases social events and more.
This year, an expanded offering of film screenings is slated to take place at several arts venues in the Music City area including the historic Belcourt Theater, Regal Green Hills, the Franklin Theatre, Vanderbilt’s Rothschild Black Box Theater and Sarratt .
Founded in 1969, NashFilm is one of the country’s longest-running film festivals. Filmmakers from across the country and around the world will head to Nashville to showcase more than 125 film screenings of feature-length and short films across every genre, including independent films and documentaries by veteran masters, up-and-coming directors and first-time filmmakers. To further embrace the reputation of Music City, the festival has also introduced a new music video category for the 2023 event.
“We are proud to bring an unforgettable experience celebrating the innovation and immense talent of the filmmakers, screenwriters and music makers of our global and local arts landscape,” says Nashville Film Festival Executive Director Jason Padgitt. “With over fifty years of sharing films with Nashville audiences, we are excited to continue building a community of film lovers in some of the most impressive venues throughout the area.”
NashFilm will host events and programs that highlight the many aspects of filmmaking, including: a Screenwriting Competition (Sept. 28-Oct. 4); a Music Supervisors Program (music industry panels and workshops – Sept. 28-Oct. 2); the Creators Conference (film and music industry panels – Sept. 29-Oct. 2); and live music performances and new artist showcases throughout the week.
“We’re excited to present a vibrant line-up of films to audiences right here in Tennessee as part of the 2023 festival,” says Director of Programming Lauren Thelen. “With new competitions and categories, we’re continuously working to provide the community with more diverse programming and perspectives across a variety of genres.”
Additional films, programs and special events will continue to be announced throughout the summer. The full slate of films and programs selected for the 54th Nashville Film Festival will be announced in August.
Lonestar, Chapel Hart To Perform At Atlanta’s NASCAR Weekend
/by Caela GriffinLonestar, Chapel Hart
Lonestar and Chapel Hart are set to take the stage at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend. Lonestar will entertain at the Pre-Race Concert on Fan Zone Stage on Saturday (July 8), while Chapel Hart to perform on the Revs & Riffs stage as well as sing the National Anthem ahead of the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart race on Sunday (July 9).
The Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend blends racing and music together with the Revs & Riffs concert lineup, including Mississippi-native Chapel Hart’s performance in the AMS Fan Zone. Their national anthem performance will be available to watch on USA Network, PRN, SiriusXM and streaming on NBC Sports, and free to fans on site attending the races.
Chapel Hart—comprised of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and first cousin Trea Swindle—recently released their Glory Days album and were named to the Opry’s NextStage Class of 2023.
The highly acclaimed Lonestar—known for a number of country music hits such as “I’m Already There,” “Mr. Mom” and “Amazed”—will be on the AMS Fan Stage before heading back on their “Ten To 1” tour through November.
The Revs & Riffs lineup also includes Andy Grammer, Newsong, 8 Second Ride, Tedashii and more throughout the weekend. Alongside the races, car showcases and concert slate, the event also features a parade, autograph session, unique concessions opportunities and Speedway Children’s Charity and Raceway Ministries events and a culmination fireworks display.
Business Leaders Join Music City Host Committee To Book New Stadium
/by Steven BoeroRendering of new Titans stadium. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans
The newly created Music City Host Committee, made up of Nashville business leaders and chaired by former Tennessee Governor and current majority owner of the Nashville Predators Bill Haslam, has been tasked with helping book major events for the newly approved enclosed stadium entertainment complex and raising private funds to support them.
On the top of their list will be booking the Super Bowl, 2031 NCAA Men’s Final Four and college football National Championship.
“I am excited about what the new stadium can mean for Nashville and the State of Tennessee. Our committee intends to make sure the stadium is the home of great events that will generate excitement and revenue for years to come,” says Haslam. “I am thankful to the NCVC for their work in making Nashville a global events city, and I appreciate these business leaders for their dedication to ensure the stadium benefits the city, local businesses and residents.”
Mayor John Cooper requested that the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) immediately start booking events for the stadium once it was approved by the Metro Council in April. Most major sporting events and large conventions are booked several years in advance.
Deana Ivey, NCVC President and incoming CEO, and Scott Wright, NCVC Senior Vice President, Sales, will serve as ex-officio members.
“We know that hosting major global events will require from $10 million to $50 million each in private funds, and we are grateful these leaders stepped up to help strategize on which major events to go after and help raise the money we will need once Nashville is chosen,” says Ivey. “With an enclosed stadium, new hotels and a compact downtown campus, Music City is finally situated to host the world’s biggest meetings and events.”
Members of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Music City Host Committee include the following:
Chair, Bill Haslam, Former Governor of Tennessee and Owner, Nashville Predators
Beth Chase, Entrepreneur and Founder, C3/Consulting
Eric Church, Country Music Artist
Eddie George, Head Football Coach, Tennessee State University
John Ingram, Majority Owner, Nashville SC, and Chairman, Ingram Industries Inc.
Kevin Lavender, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking, Fifth Third Bancorp
Cary Mack, Managing Partner, Southwest Value Partners
Rob McCabe, Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Stuart McWhorter, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
Burke Nihill, President & CEO, Tennessee Titans
Howie Nuchow, Co-Head, CAA Sports
Colin Reed, Executive Chairman, Ryman Hospitality Properties
Butch Spyridon, Outgoing CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, and Strategic Consultant
Ben Weprin, Founder & CEO, AJ Capital Partners
Marcus Whitney, Founding Partner, Jumpstart Health Investors, and Minority Owner, Nashville SC
Carol Yochem, President First Horizon Bank, Middle Tennessee Region
Diamond Rio Returns With ‘The Kick’ & Two New Members
/by Lorie HollabaughDiamond Rio. Photo: Robby Klein
Diamond Rio is starting a new chapter in their career with a new song, “The Kick,” and two new band members: Micah Schweinsberg on drums and Carson McKee on fiddle/mandolin and harmony vocals.
The new instrumental-laden track is the first song and video to be released under the new band configuration and displays the mastery of their respective instruments in its blend of country meets bluegrass. The fast-paced instrumental features the two new members in the accompanying video which was filmed in Franklin, Tennessee and directed by Schweinsberg. The band’s long-time guitar player, Jimmy Olander, developed and wrote the treatment.
The four-time CMA and two-time ACM Vocal Group of the Year formed in 1989 and consisted of Marty Roe (lead vocals), Olander (guitar/banjo), Dana Williams (bass/vocals), Dan Truman (piano), Brian Prout (drums) and Gene Johnson (mandolin/vocals), and have had no member changes until now. After a 33-year journey, the band bid farewell to retiring members Prout and Johnson, and welcomed new bandmates McKee and Schweinsberg.
“Micah is an unbelievable musician. He brings renewed energy to our live performances. Carson was not what we were looking for to start,” says Roe. “We wanted another Gene, but that doesn’t exist. Carson is an amazing young musician and we are so lucky to have her. She can sing as high as Gene, which was hard to find, and her vocals blend so well with mine and Dana’s. She also brings an energy to the stage that keeps us old guys on our toes.
“Brian is the most musical drummer I’ve ever played with and Gene brought a uniqueness that will never be fully replaced,” he continues. “Diamond Rio’s vocal sound would not be the same without him. I will forever be grateful for the priceless contributions of my two partners. We all wish them well in their retirement.”