Pictured (L-R): Neon Union’s Andrew Millsaps and Leo Brooks during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2023, presented by Visit Napa Valley. Photo: LITV/Will Bucquoy
Another Live In The Vineyard Goes Country (LITVGC) is in the books, with the three-day festival in Napa Valley, California coming to an end on April 27.
Over the course of three days, music supervisors and programmers, VIPs and partners were treated to performances from top country talent, all while enjoying the region’s renowned wines.
Jimmie Allen performs during the Send-Off Brunch at Regusci Winery at Live In The Vineyard Goes Country. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
Before the event commenced, an exclusive music industry lunch was held at Cuvaison Estate Wines on April 25 and featured performances by Kimberly Kelly, Neon Union, Meghan Patrick and Dalton Dover.
The Welcome Reception kicked off the celebration at Nickel & Nickel on the evening of April 25, accompanied by live performances from Hannah Ellis, Chase McDaniel, Warren Zeiders and Aaron Watson. As the sun was coming down, multiple dinners started across the city, complete with acoustic-style performances from Catie Offerman, Levi Hummon, MaRynn Taylor, James Barker Band, Neon Union and Patrick. Another set of VIP dinners also occurred and hosted acts such as Dover, McDaniel, Cody Belew, Kelly, Jay Allen and Tyra Madison.
On the morning of the second day on April 26, Jay Allen took a lift in a hot air balloon over Napa Valley, performing snippets of his music. On the ground, the VIP Tailgate at the Robert Mondavi Winery was in full swing during the mid-morning, including performances from Coffey Anderson, Kimberly Perry, Lanco and Jackson Dean.
Lauren Alaina performs on the Main Stage event at The Uptown Theatre during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
During wine tastings at Trefethan Winery and Caymus Vineyards, Belew, Madison Ian Flanigan and Dillon Carmichael performed.
Rounding out the day was the main highlight of the event: The Main Stage Concert at Uptown Theatre. Five artists, including Jay Allen, Jake Worthington, Griffen Palmer, Lauren Alaina and Jake Owen, took the stage. DJ Jason Johnson provided the vibes at the Late-Night event.
The third and final day of LITVGC consisted of the Send Off Brunch at Regusci Winery. Guests were treated to performances from William Beckmann, Kat & Alex, Drake Milligan, Brandy Clark and Jimmie Allen.
Pictured (L-R): Lanco’s Trip Howell and Jared Hampton, Jackson Dean, FF Entertainment’s & LITVGC Founder Bobbii Jacobs, Lanco’s Brandon Lancaster, Chandler Baldwin and Eric Steedly. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
Pictured (L-R): Levi Hummon and Catie Offerman snap a photo at the Talent House at Feast It Forward during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
Jay Allen takes a lift in a hot air balloon with Napa Valley Aloft during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
‘Shucked’ Earns Multiple Tony Nominations
/by LB CantrellShane McAnally, Brandy Clark. Photo: Emilio Madrid
Shucked, the musical written by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally and produced by Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen alongside Broadway producer Mike Bosner, has earned nine Tony nominations.
The production is nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score (Music And/Or Lyrics) Written For The Theatre at the 2023 awards, which will take place June 11, 2023 from the United Palace in Washington Heights, in New York City.
Additionally, Shucked actors Kevin Cahoon and Alex Newell are nominated for Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role In A Musical.
Shucked‘s Jack O’Brien is nominated for Best Direction Of A Musical, Scott Pask is nominated for Best Scenic Design Of A Musical and John Shivers is nominated for Best Sound Design Of A Musical. Finally, Jason Howland is nominated for Best Orchestrations for his work on the renowned show.
Shucked is a tale from the heart of the heartlands helmed by prior Tony winners, and features a book written by Robert Horn and direction by O’Brien.
Stagecoach Celebrates 15th Anniversary [See Photos]
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson. Photo: Steve Thrasher, Courtesy of Stagecoach
One of the biggest country music festivals in the world, Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, celebrated its 15th anniversary this weekend. The Goldenvoice festival reached viewers around the world via the Amazon Music livestream.
Luke Bryan. Photo: Jody Domingue, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Luke Bryan was Friday night’s headliner. Before Bryan played some of his 30-plus No. 1 hits, Jon Pardi warmed up the crowd before he was surprised with an invitation to become the first-ever California native invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Other Friday highlights included Breland bringing out Danielle Bradbery during his set, while Elle King, Priscilla Block and Riley Green had audiences singing along to every word. ZZ Top headlined the Palomino Stage, while Trixie Mattel kicked off Stagecoach’s much-loved Late Night Palomino series. The night also saw a fantastic set by acclaimed mash-up DJ Girl Talk.
On Saturday, Kane Brown was night’s headliner. His pyro-packed set lit up the desert sky and had a special appearance from his wife and fellow artist Katelyn Brown. Just before him, Old Dominion played a perfect set of their hits. Over at the Palomino Stage, Bryan Adams was Saturday’s headliner.
Kameron Marlowe, Lily Rose and Stagecoach favorite Nikki Lane impressed fans across the festival on Saturday. Nelly wrapped up the night with his own Late Night Palomino set, while Dillon Francis had fans dancing well into the night at the Honky Tonk.
Chris Stapleton. Photo: Jacob Mulka, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Chris Stapleton closed out the festival with his headlining set on Sunday. Before his set, Brooks & Dunn brought their hits to the Mane Stage, in addition to bringing out Lainey Wilson for their song “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”
Tyler Childers headlined the Palomino Stage, while country artists and stars of the acclaimed TV show Yellowstone—Wilson, Ryan Bingham and Luke Grimes—all played sets throughout Sunday. Frequent Stagecoach performer, and this year’s Honky Tonk curator, Diplo closed out the night with his Late Night Palomino set.
Celebrity chef Guy Fieri was once again a big presence at Stagecoach. He was joined for cooking demonstrations by ZZ Top, Old Dominion, Bailey Zimmerman, Yellowstone’s Taylor Sheridan and Lainey Wilson, and more throughout the weekend at Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse.
Katelyn and Kane Brown. Photo: Beth Saravo, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Jon Pardi and Guy Fieri. Photo: Jody Domingue, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Riley Green. Photo: Miranda McDonald, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Elle King. Photo: Danielle Ernst, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Julian Bajsel, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Tyler Childers. Photo: Miranda McDonald, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Luke Combs’ ‘Fast Car’ Puts Tracy Chapman In Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellTracy Chapman, Luke Combs
Tracy Chapman enters the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, as Luke Combs‘ cover of her “Fast Car” continues to climb the country charts. As the sole writer on “Fast Car,” Chapman receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.
Combs finds himself at No. 18 this week, with songwriter credit on three of his charting songs, including “5 Leaf Clover,” “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” and “Love You Anyway.”
Morgan Wallen remains at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the 11th consecutive week. Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Ryan Vojtesak (No. 3), Zach Bryan (No. 4) and John Byron (No. 5) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
2023 CMA Awards Ballot Schedule Announced
/by LB CantrellThe Country Music Association has laid out the ballot schedule for the 57th annual CMA Awards, taking place this November in Nashville.
The eligibility period for this year’s CMA Awards runs from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
All voting for the CMA Awards will be conducted online. CMA members will receive the nomination ballot and submission instructions on Wednesday, July 5. Voting for the nomination ballot closes Friday, July 14 at 6 p.m. CT.
CMA members will receive the second ballot on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Voting for the second ballot will close Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. CT. The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced later this summer.
CMA members will determine the winners of the 57th CMA Awards in the third and final ballot, which will be sent out on Monday, Oct. 2. Voting for the CMA Awards Final Ballot ends Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. CT.
In order to vote in all three rounds, prospective CMA members must apply for membership by Thursday, June 1.
For 2023, any radio station or broadcast personality may submit an application for the 2023 CMA Broadcast Awards for Broadcast Personality, Station and National Broadcast Personality of the Year online at broadcast.CMAawards.com. Applicants are no longer required to be CMA members in order to submit for the CMA Broadcast Awards.
All CMA Broadcast Awards entries must reflect performances and events between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023. The winners for the broadcast portion of the awards will be notified in early October and recognized at CMA Awards ceremony. For more information about CMA Broadcast Awards entries, contact Brenden Oliver, CMA Senior Manager, Awards & Strategic Initiatives, at BOliver@CMAworld.com.
Additionally, CMA’s Industry Honors nomination period remains open through Sunday, July 9. CMA members are encouraged to nominate here.
New Taylor Swift Pop-Up Exhibit Opens At Country Music Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Ahead of her Nashville stops of “The Eras Tour” this weekend (May 5 – 7), a new pop-up exhibit “Through Taylor Swift’s Eras” has opened at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, featuring a selection of iconic costumes worn by Swift.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The limited-run exhibit includes 10 outfits that represent each of the artist’s 10 albums, from 2006’s Taylor Swift to 2022’s Midnights. The pop-up is part of the museum’s comprehensive gallery experience and is included with general admission. It runs through May 31.
Swift has reinvented herself with each new album through changes in everything from her musical direction to the costuming that defines the eras of her career. Among the items on display from Swift’s wardrobe are the Vivetta faux fur jacket and rhinestone-accented Norma Kamali bikini Swift wore in the 2019 music video for “You Need to Calm Down;” the Marina Toybina-designed circus ringmaster ensemble of a top hat, cane, rhinestone and sequin-embellished jacket, shorts and knee-high, laced LaDuca boots Swift wore to perform “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” at the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards; and the Mandalay multicolored fringe dress and Everybody by B. Z. Moda tall boots Swift wore during the first act of her “Fearless Tour” in 2009-2010.
The museum also updated its display in the third-floor Taylor Swift Education Center with new artifacts representing Swift and her latest studio album, Midnights. These objects will be on view through early summer 2024 and are also accessible with general museum admission.
New items now on display in the Taylor Swift Education Center include the sequin-covered cape, Michael Schmidt Studios bustier and briefs and Stuart Weitzman boots worn by Swift in the 2022 video for “Bejeweled;”; the Taylor GSLJ “Living Jewels” acoustic guitar Swift used to perform “Last Kiss” during her “Speak Now World Tour” (2011-2012) and in the 2022 music video for “Anti-Hero;” and the New York University cap and gown Swift wore when she received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree and delivered the commencement address at the school’s 2022 graduation ceremony.
The Taylor Swift Education Center located within the museum’s galleries is a two-story, 7,500-square-foot space that opened in 2013 and was made possible through a generous donation from Swift to the museum’s capital campaign, which doubled the size of the nonprofit cultural organization. The education center includes classrooms, youth art installations, interactive galleries and learning labs with resources to facilitate distance learning and songwriting programs. In 2022, more than 134,000 people were served through more than 1,100 educational programs offered by the museum—many of which originated in the Taylor Swift Education Center.
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Closes Out 2023 Event
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Neon Union’s Andrew Millsaps and Leo Brooks during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2023, presented by Visit Napa Valley. Photo: LITV/Will Bucquoy
Another Live In The Vineyard Goes Country (LITVGC) is in the books, with the three-day festival in Napa Valley, California coming to an end on April 27.
Over the course of three days, music supervisors and programmers, VIPs and partners were treated to performances from top country talent, all while enjoying the region’s renowned wines.
Jimmie Allen performs during the Send-Off Brunch at Regusci Winery at Live In The Vineyard Goes Country. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
Before the event commenced, an exclusive music industry lunch was held at Cuvaison Estate Wines on April 25 and featured performances by Kimberly Kelly, Neon Union, Meghan Patrick and Dalton Dover.
The Welcome Reception kicked off the celebration at Nickel & Nickel on the evening of April 25, accompanied by live performances from Hannah Ellis, Chase McDaniel, Warren Zeiders and Aaron Watson. As the sun was coming down, multiple dinners started across the city, complete with acoustic-style performances from Catie Offerman, Levi Hummon, MaRynn Taylor, James Barker Band, Neon Union and Patrick. Another set of VIP dinners also occurred and hosted acts such as Dover, McDaniel, Cody Belew, Kelly, Jay Allen and Tyra Madison.
On the morning of the second day on April 26, Jay Allen took a lift in a hot air balloon over Napa Valley, performing snippets of his music. On the ground, the VIP Tailgate at the Robert Mondavi Winery was in full swing during the mid-morning, including performances from Coffey Anderson, Kimberly Perry, Lanco and Jackson Dean.
Lauren Alaina performs on the Main Stage event at The Uptown Theatre during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
During wine tastings at Trefethan Winery and Caymus Vineyards, Belew, Madison Ian Flanigan and Dillon Carmichael performed.
Rounding out the day was the main highlight of the event: The Main Stage Concert at Uptown Theatre. Five artists, including Jay Allen, Jake Worthington, Griffen Palmer, Lauren Alaina and Jake Owen, took the stage. DJ Jason Johnson provided the vibes at the Late-Night event.
The third and final day of LITVGC consisted of the Send Off Brunch at Regusci Winery. Guests were treated to performances from William Beckmann, Kat & Alex, Drake Milligan, Brandy Clark and Jimmie Allen.
Pictured (L-R): Lanco’s Trip Howell and Jared Hampton, Jackson Dean, FF Entertainment’s & LITVGC Founder Bobbii Jacobs, Lanco’s Brandon Lancaster, Chandler Baldwin and Eric Steedly. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
Pictured (L-R): Levi Hummon and Catie Offerman snap a photo at the Talent House at Feast It Forward during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
Jay Allen takes a lift in a hot air balloon with Napa Valley Aloft during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country. Photo: LITV/JETBLACK/Ryan Waneka
Dierks Bentley Notches 22nd Career No. 1 With ‘Gold’
/by LB CantrellDierks Bentley has earned his 22nd No. 1 hit, with “Gold” reaching the top of the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart this week. The track also hit the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in November.
The lead track from his 10th studio album Gravel & Gold, “Gold” spreads of a message of gratitude, looking at life from a different perspective and treasuring every day moments. Bentley wrote the tune with Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley and Luke Dick.
“When we wrote ‘Gold,’ I wanted to write a song that captures the idea of enjoying the journey,” Bentley shares. “The reality is that there are a lot of rocky times that we all go through, but amongst all the tough stuff, when you look for the special moments it can change how you view the world. I know that’s a reminder I need for myself, so the fans and country radio embracing it means a lot.”
Bentley will take his Gravel & Gold album on the road this summer on the “Gravel & Gold Tour.” He will be joined by a full slate of supporting talent on select dates, including Jordan Davis, Elle King, Tracy Lawrence, Tyler Braden, Caylee Hammack, Hot Country Knights, Kameron Marlowe, The Cadillac Three, The Red Clay Strays, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Shane Smith & the Saints, Caitlyn Smith and Hailey Whitters. The tour kicks off on June 1 in Toronto, Ontario.
Grand Ole Opry Opens New ‘Famous Friends’ Exhibit
/by Lorie HollabaughJohnny Cash and Elvis. Photo: Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry opened its newest tour exhibit “Famous Friends” today (May 1) featuring some of the most iconic celebrities, cultural figures and artists from a variety of genres who have visited and performed on the iconic Opry Stage.
The collection, installed at the Acuff House, displays costumes, photos and personal items from celebrities including Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Harlem Globetrotters, Andy Griffith, Leslie Jordan, Steve Martin, Sissy Spacek, Jack White, multiple U.S. Presidents and more.
“The Grand Ole Opry has been a staple of the country music scene for almost a century, and over the years, we’ve had the honor of welcoming some truly special guests to our stage,” says Dan Rogers, VP and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. “From legendary musicians to renowned actors and even U.S. presidents, the Opry has played host to a diverse range of talents and personalities, each leaving their own unique mark on our history. We’re excited to provide a new opportunity for our guests to experience these unique Opry stories.”
Some of the exhibit’s unique items include:
– Copy of Tony Bennett’s 2006 song chart for “Cold, Cold Heart,” signed by Tim McGraw
– Ray Charles’ stage wear tuxedo worn in the 1990s
– Leslie Jordan’s outfit worn during his Opry debut in 2021
– One of Steve Martin’s earliest known banjos
– Former President Richard Nixon’s Yo-Yo used on stage during the opening night of the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974
– Sissy Spacek’s script for “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
– Actress and singer Chrissy Metz’s Opry debut dress she wore in 2020
– Jack White’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster and custom suit by Manuel Cuevas worn to the 2014 Grammy Awards
Admission to the “Famous Friends” exhibit is included with the purchase of an Opry House Daytime Backstage Tour ticket.
Mark Your Calendar—May 2023
/by Liza AndersonSingle/Track Release Dates:
Photo: Claire Schaper
May 1
Cynthia Renee/Working On A Hangover/SSM Nashville
Pat Boone feat. Ray Stevens, The Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, Deborah Allen and Dean Miller/Grits/The Gold Label
May 5
Kimberly Perry/If I Die Young Pt. 2/Records Nashville/Columbia Records
Stephan Hogan/You Or The West Coast/Mavericks Records
May 8
Chase Rice/Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer/Dack Janiels/Broken Bow Records
MaRynn Taylor/Make You Mine/Black River Records
May 12
Mike Kuster/Frog Eye Mud Bog
May 15
Ken Domash/If I Was A Beer/Thunder Mountain Records
May 22
Joe Hermes/Used To Be Me/OTM Productions
May 26
Megan Barker/Cowboys
May 30
Robby Johnson/June in July/Nashville Record Company
Album/EP Release Dates:
Photo: David McClister
May 5
Justin Moore/Stray Dog/The Valory Music Co.
Megan Moroney/Lucky/Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records
Rodney Crowell/The Chicago Sessions/New West Records
Meghan Patrick/Greatest Show On Dirt/Riser House Records
May 12
Parker McCollum/Never Enough/MCA Nashville
Bailey Zimmerman/Religiously. The Album./Warner Music Nashville/Elektra
Lauren Daigle/Lauren Daigle/Atlantic Records/Centricity Music
George Birge/George Birge: Mind On You/Records Nashville
Tracy Lawrence/Live at Billy Bob’s Texas
Jeff Carson/448/Encore Music Group
May 19
Marty Stuart/Altitude/Snakefarm
Josh Turner/Long Black Train Vinyl Release/MCA Nashville
Brandy Clark/Brandy Clark/Warner Records
Jordyn Shellhart/Primrose/Warner Music Nashville
Ella Langley/Excuse The Mess/Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville
Chapel Hart/Glory Days
Colt Ford/Must Be The Country/Average Joes Entertainment
The Milk Carton Kids/I Only See The Moon/Far Cry Records/Thirty Tigers
Industry Events:
May 11
ACM Awards
May 15 – 18
Music Biz Conference
Brendan Rich Launches Rich Mgmt
/by Lorie HollabaughBrendan Rich. Photo: Jason Myers
Brendan Rich has launched his own boutique artist management company Rich Mgmt. Rich will be joined by Sarah Paravia, who will serve as a day to day Coordinator for the company.
Based in Nashville, the new company’s roster will include Rich’s longtime clients Matt Stell, George Birge and Chris Bandi, along with new signing Darren Kiely.
A native of Buffalo, New York, Rich attended the University of Mississippi and got his start in the music industry in touring with stops at Buddy Lee Attractions and Paradigm before joining United Talent Agency, where he signed artists including Stell, Bandi, Jimmie Allen and Logan Mize. Following his time at UTA, Rich realized that his passion included being involved in all facets of an artist’s career, which led him to management and five years at Wide Open Music as a manager. This year, Rich made the decision to step out on his own, launching Rich Mgmt.
“Since my first days in the music business, I’ve always dreamt of opening my own management company,” Rich shares. “Those dreams have now come to fruition as we open our doors to manage world class artists, who we are honored to represent and guide in their careers.”
Reach Rich at brendan@richmgmt.co.