Keith Urban, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and more are among the star-studded initial lineup announced for CMA Fest’s upcoming 50th anniversary festival set for June 8-11 in Nashville.
Nissan Stadium will host an array of stars each night, including Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Tim McGraw, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Urban, and Wilson.
“We are so excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of CMA Fest this year!” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “A lot has changed since our early days of Fan Fair, but all these years later, the heart of the festival remains that special connection between the fans and the artists. We are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout the years, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with all of our attendees in June. Stay tuned for much more!”
In addition to the mainstage performances, the special Platform Stage in the center of Nissan Stadium returns this year and will feature Ashley Cooke, Dalton Dover, Megan Moroney, Ian Munsick, Rvshvd, Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen and Hailey Whitters.
The Chevy Riverfront Stage offers a packed lineup for fans each day with artists including Lauren Alaina, Ingrid Andress, Priscilla Block, Tyler Braden, Breland, Jackson Dean, Travis Denning, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Evans, Corey Kent, Maddie & Tae, Kameron Marlowe, Chase Matthew, Drake Milligan, Cooper Alan, Niko Moon, Parmalee, MacKenzie Porter, Jameson Rodgers, Dylan Scott, Elvie Shane, Conner Smith, Nate Smith, Matt Stell, and more.
Hitting the Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park will be A Thousand Horses, Avery Anna, Rodney Atkins, Blanco Brown, Craig Campbell, Mackenzie Carpenter, Callista Clark, Tyler Farr, Love and Theft, Alexander Ludwig, Dylan Marlowe, Chrissy Metz, David Nail, Frank Ray, Seaforth, Shenandoah, Caitlyn Smith, The Frontmen, The Red Clay Strays, Uncle Kracker, Chancey Williams, Rita Wilson, and more.
The Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park will feature performances from Tyler Booth, Dillon Carmichael, Carter Faith, Ryan Griffin, Chapel Hart, Home Free, Kat & Alex, Tiera Kennedy, Brett Kissel, Jerrod Niemann, Catie Offerman, Meghan Patrick, Kimberly Perry, Shane Profitt, Tyler Rich, Dylan Schneider, Canaan Smith, Noah Thompson, Thompson Square, Kasey Tyndall, Georgia Webster, Anne Wilson and more.
The stacked lineup of artists set to take the Maui Jim Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza includes Justin Champagne, Ben Chapman, Kyle Clark, Abbey Cone, Taylor Edwards, Drew Green, Jonathan Hutcherson, Willie Jones, Bryan Martin, Chase McDaniel, Madeline Merlo, Patrick Murphy, Neon Union, Griffen Palmer, Pillbox Patti, Peytan Porter, Brandon Ratcliff, Austin Snell, Tigirlily Gold, Anna Vaus, Lathan Warlick, Lauren Watkins, and Sam Williams, among others.
While a limited number of Four-Night Stadium Passes are currently on sale, fans can access a variety of new ticket options starting today at 10 a.m. CT at CMAfest.com/tickets.
Outdoor daytime stages are free and open to the public, and additional stage lineups—including Ascend Amphitheater, Fan Fair X activities inside Music City Center and more—will be announced in the coming weeks.
Logan Crosby Signs With UTA
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): UTA’s Brian Hill, Logan Crosby, UTA’s Brett Saliba, Lolo McClusky and Matthew Morgan.
Singer-songwriter Logan Crosby has signed with UTA for worldwide representation.
The Georgia native got his start in music singing at his grandmother’s church. Growing up in a musical family, Crosby gravitated towards country music and first gained notoriety when a string of successful videos on TikTok and other social media platforms garnered thousands views.
In 2022, he appeared on the ABC series Claim To Fame, where he came in second place while becoming a beloved central character. Crosby’s latest single, “After All,” is set for release this month, and he will embark on Megan Moroney‘s “Pistol Made Of Roses Tour” in April as support.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Continues His Reign Atop The Country Charts
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen remains on top of both the country streaming songs chart and the country albums chart this week according to Luminate data.
Wallen’s “Last Night” stays at No. 1 with 25 million streams this week. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” remains at No. 2 with 12 millions streams and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock and A Hard Place” secures the No. 3 slot once again with 11 million additional streams. Wallen’s “You Proof” stays at No. 4 with 10 million streams while “Thought You Should Know” comes in right behind at No. 5.
Luke Combs‘ “Joe” is the top debut on the country streaming songs chart, coming in at No. 22 with 4.8 million streams.
On the country albums chart, Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album keeps its No. 1 title with 46K in total consumption (1.4K album only/56 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak holds its place at No. 2 with 28K (1.6K album only/34 million songs streams). Zimmerman’s Leave The Light On rises to No. 3 with 18K (576 album only/22 million song streams) as Combs’ Growin’ Up moves to No. 4 with 17K (1.2K album only/20 million song streams).
Wallen’s debut project If I Know Me takes No. 5 with 16K (753 album only/20 million song streams). Dierks Bentley‘s Gravel & Gold claims top country album debut, landing at No. 14 on the chart and No. 73 overall with 12K (6.1K album only/6.9 million song streams).
BBR Music Group Promotes Lauren Crawford To Senior Marketing Manager
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Crawford. Photo: Jessica Crans
Lauren Crawford has been promoted to Senior Marketing Manager at BBR Music Group.
She previously served as BBR Music Group Marketing Manager, and joined the label from Capitol Christian Music Group in 2021, where she handled projects for Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Chris Tomlin, We The Kingdom and more. Prior to Capitol, Crawford worked for Nashville’s annual Pilgrimage Music Festival, driving its marketing initiatives and overseeing administration.
“Lauren has continuously elevated within her role on our marketing team through her creativity, initiative and strategic thinking,” says BMG, EVP Recorded Music – Nashville JoJamie Hahr. “We are thrilled to have her as a crucial part of the BBR Music Group family.”
Hardy Extends ‘The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour’ Through The Fall
/by Caela GriffinHardy. Photo: Ryan Smith.
Hardy has announced a slate of fall shows for his “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour.” The tour, named for Hardy’s second album, will feature Lainey Wilson and Dylan Marlowe as openers and launch in late August.
“I believe I have two of the most authentic, talented acts out there opening for me on this run. I’m honored that Dylan and Lainey are a part of this tour, and I am still in disbelief that I’m announcing my first arena tour,” Hardy shares. “Fans, I will not let you down. This will be the greatest Hardy set you’ve ever seen. See y’all out there.”
“The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour” launched in February, and this new leg marks Hardy’s first run headlining arenas with stops in Nashville, Baton Rouge, and Savannah before the end of the year.
Tickets and VIP Packages for the new “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour” dates will be available on Friday (March 10). Fan pre-sales start tomorrow (March 8) and continues throughout this week.
Inductees Announced For 2023 SOURCE Hall Of Fame Awards
/by LB CantrellSOURCE Nashville has announced the 2023 inductees for the SOURCE Hall of Fame.
Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, the nonprofit organization is committed to supporting a community of accomplished women in the music industry. The annual SOURCE Awards were established in 2003 by Kay Smith to honor and pay respect to the “Women Behind The Music” who help shape and build upon Nashville’s music industry.
2023 Inductees:
– Marcie Allen (Cellar Door Concerts, William Morris Endeavor (WME), MAD Booking & Events, Creative Artist Agency (CAA), NYU, MAC Presents, AB, MAC Consulting)
– Renee Bell (MCA, RCA/Sony Music Nashville)
– Janice Jackson (ASCAP, Capitol/EMI/Liberty Records, Blendingwell/Sister John Music, Maypop Music Group, Almo/Irving Music, Joe Scaife Productions & Publishing, Copyright Society of the South, Writer’s Den Music Group, MCS Music America, Inc., Peermusic, Travellers Hollow Music)
– Jackie Patillo (Star Song Communications, Integrity Gospel/Integrity Media, Verity Records, Sony Music Entertainment, Gospel Music Association)
– Becky Shanks (United Artists Agency/CBS Songs, Maypop Music, Peermusic)
– Denise Stiff (GreilWorks, Teena Shirts, BareWorks, Summer Lights, Keith Case and Associates, Scared Stiff Music and Sheehan’s Pub Co., Bob Titley Management, DS Management)
– Valerie Summers (William Morris Agency, Inc./WME, Destination Music/Gary Musick Production, Arrington Vineyards)
This class of inductees will be minted at the 20th anniversary of the SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards on Aug. 29. Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, the ceremony will again take place at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium. Ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.
Lineup Announced For CMA Fest’s 50th Anniversary
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and more are among the star-studded initial lineup announced for CMA Fest’s upcoming 50th anniversary festival set for June 8-11 in Nashville.
Nissan Stadium will host an array of stars each night, including Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Tim McGraw, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Urban, and Wilson.
“We are so excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of CMA Fest this year!” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “A lot has changed since our early days of Fan Fair, but all these years later, the heart of the festival remains that special connection between the fans and the artists. We are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout the years, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with all of our attendees in June. Stay tuned for much more!”
In addition to the mainstage performances, the special Platform Stage in the center of Nissan Stadium returns this year and will feature Ashley Cooke, Dalton Dover, Megan Moroney, Ian Munsick, Rvshvd, Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen and Hailey Whitters.
The Chevy Riverfront Stage offers a packed lineup for fans each day with artists including Lauren Alaina, Ingrid Andress, Priscilla Block, Tyler Braden, Breland, Jackson Dean, Travis Denning, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Evans, Corey Kent, Maddie & Tae, Kameron Marlowe, Chase Matthew, Drake Milligan, Cooper Alan, Niko Moon, Parmalee, MacKenzie Porter, Jameson Rodgers, Dylan Scott, Elvie Shane, Conner Smith, Nate Smith, Matt Stell, and more.
Hitting the Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park will be A Thousand Horses, Avery Anna, Rodney Atkins, Blanco Brown, Craig Campbell, Mackenzie Carpenter, Callista Clark, Tyler Farr, Love and Theft, Alexander Ludwig, Dylan Marlowe, Chrissy Metz, David Nail, Frank Ray, Seaforth, Shenandoah, Caitlyn Smith, The Frontmen, The Red Clay Strays, Uncle Kracker, Chancey Williams, Rita Wilson, and more.
The Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park will feature performances from Tyler Booth, Dillon Carmichael, Carter Faith, Ryan Griffin, Chapel Hart, Home Free, Kat & Alex, Tiera Kennedy, Brett Kissel, Jerrod Niemann, Catie Offerman, Meghan Patrick, Kimberly Perry, Shane Profitt, Tyler Rich, Dylan Schneider, Canaan Smith, Noah Thompson, Thompson Square, Kasey Tyndall, Georgia Webster, Anne Wilson and more.
The stacked lineup of artists set to take the Maui Jim Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza includes Justin Champagne, Ben Chapman, Kyle Clark, Abbey Cone, Taylor Edwards, Drew Green, Jonathan Hutcherson, Willie Jones, Bryan Martin, Chase McDaniel, Madeline Merlo, Patrick Murphy, Neon Union, Griffen Palmer, Pillbox Patti, Peytan Porter, Brandon Ratcliff, Austin Snell, Tigirlily Gold, Anna Vaus, Lathan Warlick, Lauren Watkins, and Sam Williams, among others.
While a limited number of Four-Night Stadium Passes are currently on sale, fans can access a variety of new ticket options starting today at 10 a.m. CT at CMAfest.com/tickets.
Outdoor daytime stages are free and open to the public, and additional stage lineups—including Ascend Amphitheater, Fan Fair X activities inside Music City Center and more—will be announced in the coming weeks.
CRS Announces Lineup For ‘Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat’
/by LB CantrellThe lineup for the “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat” showcase at CRS 2023 has been announced. Chris Young will headline the evening with support from Avery Anna, Dalton Dover, Megan Moroney and Dylan Schneider.
Named after Amazon Music’s flagship country playlist Country Heat, the bill reflects the playlist’s mix of chart-topping hits and breaking singles from both established acts and up-and-coming artists.
“We’re thrilled to bring Country Heat back to CRS this year,” shares Amazon Music’s Head of Country Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer. “We’ve curated a lineup leading with superstar, Chris Young, and featuring four stars on the rise who were also selected as 2023 Breakthrough Artists to Watch by our programming team, and we can’t wait for attendees to watch.”
The event will take place on Monday, March 13, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Broadway Performance Hall at the Omni Nashville Hotel and will close out the first day of CRS 2023.
Pip Wynans Joins Crowd Surf As Digital Marketing Manager
/by Lorie HollabaughPip Wynans has joined Crowd Surf as Digital Marketing Manager.
The Nashville-based Wynans received a Masters in Music Business at Berklee College of Music in July 2021 and worked as an Outreach Coordinator at Songfluencer before joining Crowd Surf.
“We are delighted to welcome Pip to our Nashville team! She brings her expertise on social trends, culture and diversity to the table as well as an excitement for marketing on a global scale which will further broaden our clients’ reach and ultimately fanbases,” shares Crowd Surf founders Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver.
Crowd Surf’s Nashville roster of clients includes Anne Wilson, Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, Eli Young Band, Scotty McCreery, Universal Music Nashville, Sony Music Nashville, Capitol Christian Music Group, Jimmie Allen, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, and more.
Kelsea Ballerini Makes Big Leap On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellKelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini jumps onto the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart at No. 12 this week with the impact of her new EP, Rolling Up The Welcome Mat.
In addition to “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” from her 2022 Subject To Change album, Ballerini co-wrote “Blindsided” and “Penthouse” from Rolling Up The Welcome Mat and wrote “Mountain With A View” alone.
Morgan Wallen remains in the No. 1 position this week with eight currently charting songs. The top five also includes Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Zach Bryan (No. 3), Luke Combs (No. 4) and Michael Hardy (No. 5).
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.
Kelsea Ballerini Makes ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini on Saturday Night Live. Photo: Will Heath
Kelsea Ballerini capped off the release of her deeply personal Rolling Up the Welcome Mat EP with two performances on Saturday Night Live over the weekend.
Ballerini performed the questioning “Blindsided” at Rockefeller Center’s Studio 8H in front of a backdrop that had a shadow figure meeting her querying self.
“It was such a big moment,” Ballerini explains. “We wanted to add an element that made the song and the performance more. When we talked about what the song was about, all the pieces of doubt and realizing what was going on, the shadow seemed to be the right thing.”
She returned later in the show for the vulnerable “Penthouse” wearing a silky white Valentino gown and standing alone in the curve of a white grand piano.
Rolling Up the Welcome Mat has already racked up over 40 million streams, and Ballerini is set to kick off the second leg of her “Heartfirst Tour” tomorrow in Toronto. She’ll visit cities throughout the Midwest and East Coast, closing out on March 18 in Pittsburgh, before kicking off the third leg of the journey in June.