Pictured (L-R, top row): Jim Kaufman (Producer/A&R), Sofia Barbetta (Digital Marketing/Product Manager), Megan Shultz (Label Manager, Riser House), Jason Martin (President, Riser House Rock), Jennifer Johnson (President, Riser House Entertainment), Brandon Perdue (SVP A&R and Publishing, Riser House Entertainment) and Matt Leone (Artist Manager); (L-R, bottom row): Michael “Shap” Shapira (Scarhaven), Matt Kilroy (Scarhaven), Jared Edson (Scarhaven) and Michael Saint (Scarhaven). Photo: Shannon Bradley

Grunge band Scarhaven has signed with Riser House Rock.

The band is comprised of Michael “Shap” Shapira, Matt Kilroy, Jared Edson and Michael Saint. Scarhaven’s sound draws from the spirit of classic grunge while forging a unique identity of its own marked by thunderous guitars, dynamic vocals and unapologetic authenticity.

“After seeing the band in their hometown of New York open for Return to Dust, I knew on the spot they had to become part of the RHR family,” says Jason Martin, President of Riser House Rock.

“Scarhaven is a modern grunge band with real weight and conviction, channeling the dark intensity of bands like Soundgarden while carving out a sound that’s unmistakably their own,” adds Jennifer Johnson, Co-President of Riser House Rock. “Michael’s vocal transformation is undeniable—powerful, dynamic, and emotionally charged—and it’s taken the band to another level. At Riser House this is exactly the kind of rock artist we’re proud to stand behind.”

“The gut-wrenching, unapologetically loud guitar rock that we grew up on (Nirvana, Soundgarden) has been buried under trends and playlists,” shares Scarhaven. “Scarhaven was looking for a label willing to bet on its ferocious return. We are honored to have found it with Jason Martin and Riser House Records.”

Cassie Wright

Cassie Wright has been named the next Executive Director of The IBMA Foundation, effective April 1. Current Executive Director Nancy Cardwell is retiring after 10 years with the IBMA Foundation and 20 years at the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Wright is a banjo, Dobro player, and co-leader of Fox Crossing Stringband. A 2024 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass program graduate, Wright is a member of the Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association board of directors, and has served as a cultural diplomat on U.S. State Department tours to Kazakhstan and Mexico with the Bluegrass Ambassadors. She also oversees the Bluegrass Chicago website, which promotes live bluegrass and old-time music across the region.

Wright has over 15 years of experience leading programs and operations for nonprofit and government partners in public health, housing, and education sectors, including her time as Senior Director of Operations for Education Development Center. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from DePaul University, and a Project Management Certification from Cornell University, College of Engineering.

“I have spent my career at the intersection of nonprofit work and bluegrass music because I truly believe in the power of this community,” says Wright. “I’m so excited to put that experience to work as we expand the reach and impact of the music that means so much to all of us. Nancy Cardwell and the Board of Directors have led the way with remarkable work, and I am honored to build on that foundation as we start this next chapter together.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cassie Wright as our next executive director,” shares Trisha Tubbs, President and board chair of the IBMA Foundation. “Our work thrives on relationships—with generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and trusted community partners, along with a shared passion for bluegrass music. Cassie deeply understands this and brings valuable experience and commitment to advancing our mission and growth. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to Nancy Cardwell as she retires, honoring her years of dedicated service, integrity, and leadership that have strengthened our community and shaped the Foundation’s success.”

“I am pleased to pass the torch to Cassie Wright, and I look forward to witnessing what can be accomplished in the next ten years,” adds Cardwell. “I will continue to support the IBMA Foundation (formerly the Foundation for Bluegrass Music) from the sidelines, as they continue the important work of making the future of bluegrass music brighter.”

The Songwriters Hall of Fame has unveiled its class of 2026.

This year’s inductees include Taylor Swift, Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart.

The induction ceremony will take place June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, and will not be open to the general public. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.

“The music industry is built upon the incredible talent of songwriters who create unforgettable songs,” shares SHOF Chairman Nile Rodgers. “Without their artistry, there would be no recorded music, concert experiences, or engaged fans. Everything originates from the song and its creator. We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to recognizing some of the most culturally significant composers in history. This year’s lineup not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres. These songwriters have profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide, and it is our privilege to honor their contributions.”

This year’s group has credits spanning “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Hand In My Pocket,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Footloose,” “Single Ladies,” and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).”

Nick Steele and Kristen Flowers, morning show hosts on Audacy’s 99.5 The Wolf (KWJJ-FM) in Portland, will receive the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award during CRS 2026.

The award is named for broadcast veteran Tom Rivers, honoring his legacy by recognizing individuals in the country radio industry who exemplify a spirit of caring and generosity through hands-on community service. Recipients demonstrate a deep personal commitment of time, talent, and resources to meaningful causes. Rivers passed away in 2004 at the age of 38. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the CRB Board of Directors and served as Operations Manager at WUSN (99.5 FM) in Chicago. His career also included time at WQYK (99.5 FM) in Tampa.

Steele and Flowers are being honored for their philanthropic leadership through Nick & Kristen’s Medical Debt Payoff, an annual initiative now in its sixth year. During the most recent campaign, held Nov. 17–21, 2025, the duo raised enough funds to eliminate $2.17 million in local medical debt across the Pacific Northwest. The effort was conducted in partnership with national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. Since its inception, Nick & Kristen’s Medical Debt Payoff has raised more than $18 million, fully relieving medical debt for over 10,000 individuals and families throughout the region.

Past recipients of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award include Mark “Hawkeye” Louis, Tim Leary, Storme Warren, Heather Froglear, Lon Helton, Bill Lawson, Dan Halyburton, Peter Smyth, Jeff Smulyan, Mary Quaas, and George G. Beasley.

CRS 2026 will take place March 18–20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, and registration is available now.