Billy Strings. Photo: Joshua Wilkins Black
Billy Strings is extending his headline tour through spring with 22 newly-confirmed shows, including eight arena dates.
Upcoming stops in 2023 include two nights at Mobile’s Mobile Civic Center, Tampa’s Yuengling Center, three nights at St. Augustine’s St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Phoenix’s Arizona Financial Theatre, Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, two nights at Austin’s Moody Center, Tulsa’s BOK Center, St. Louis’ Chaifetz Arena and Chicago’s Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, among others. Tickets for the shows are on sale now at billystrings.com/tour.
The spring dates follow Strings’ winter tour, which will include 15 additional arena shows with stops at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for two sold out nights, Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, Charlottesville’s John Paul Jones Arena, Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, and Charleston’s North Charleston Coliseum, among others. Strings will also return to the Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 26 for a third sold-out Nashville show.
Strings released Me/And/Dad, the first album he’s recorded with his dad Terry Barber, last month via Rounder Records. The album was a longtime dream of Strings, and features new versions of 14 bluegrass and country classics that the two have been playing together since Strings was a young child.
Billy Strings 2023 Tour Dates:
April 13—Southaven, MS—Landers Center
April 14—Mobile, AL—Mobile Civic Center Arena
April 15—Mobile, AL—Mobile Civic Center Arena
April 18—Tampa, FL—Yuengling Center
April 20—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre
April 21—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre
April 22—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre
May 17—Phoenix, AZ—Arizona Financial Theatre
May 19—Los Angeles, CA—Greek Theatre
May 20—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
May 21—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
May 24—Las Vegas, NV—Brooklyn Bowl
June 2—Austin, TX—Moody Center
June 3—Austin, TX—Moody Center
June 7—Tulsa, OK—BOK Center
June 9—St. Louis, MO—Chaifetz Arena
June 10—Indianapolis, IN—TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
June 11—Indianapolis, IN—TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
June 13—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion
June 14—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion
June 16—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre
June 17—Chicago, IL—Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Craig Morgan Brings A Taste Of Home To U.S. Service Members In Germany
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Morgan and service members. Photo: Courtesy of Specialist Emma O Roberts US Army
Craig Morgan joined the USO on a three-day trip from Dec. 19-21 in Germany, where he performed three concerts for troops and their families stationed at USAG Bavaria.
Morgan, who was active duty for ten and a half years and a member of the U.S. Reserves for six and a half years, was reunited with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions while touring USAG Bavaria, both of which he was a part of during his years of service. Since Morgan’s first USO tour in 2002, he has visited 15 countries during 13 tours, entertaining more than 45,000 U.S. troops and their families.
Craig Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of Specialist Emma O Roberts US Army
“It’s always an honor and a privilege to visit with our troops and their families, but especially during the holiday season,” Morgan explains. “I know how much it means to them to receive those care packages at this time of the year and to hear those messages of gratitude from Americans everywhere who value the incredible sacrifices they make year-round.”
“Serving overseas over the holiday season, sometimes far from family and friends, can be difficult,” notes Jennifer Wahlquist, Vice President, USO Global Entertainment. “We’re grateful to the wonderful entertainers like Craig who generously donate their time to bring holiday cheer and a connection to home to our service members.”
“We are so thankful for Craig Morgan taking the time to visit with and perform for our soldiers and family members,” adds Audre Binder, Director, Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation at United States Army Garrison Bavaria. “It’s even more special because Craig knows what it’s like to be away from loved ones during the holidays, as a former service member himself. He has just an incredible way of connecting with everyone here.”
Bringing entertainment to the troops is a cornerstone of the USO’s mission to strengthen America’s service members through connection. More than 75,000 service members participate in USO Entertainment tours annually, and more than 50,000 military members have attended virtual celebrity visits through the USO Military Virtual Programming Entertainment Series during the last two years.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Trampled By Turtles, More Among DelFest 2023 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughDelFest is celebrating its 15th year in 2023 and has announced the initial lineup for next year’s festival. The multi-day event will take place at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland from May 25-28.
Next year’s lineup once again reflects the all-encompassing musical community that festival hosts The Del McCoury Band have cultivated over the years. DelFest 2023 will feature St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Trampled By Turtles, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Infamous Stringdusters, The California Honeydrops, Sierra Ferrell, Sierra Hull, Rising Appalachia, The Tim O’Brien Band, Peter Rowan & The Free Mexican Air Force with Los Texmaniacs, Lindsay Lou, Cris Jacobs, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Troubadour Session, Kitchen Dwellers, The Broomestix, Junior Sisk, Price Sisters, Handmade Moments, and Birches Bend.
In addition to traditional stage sets by the artists, attendees can see collaborations, special guest sit-ins, various tributes to McCoury and his musical legacy, and intimate appearances from the artists. Delfest will be immediately preceded by the three day DelFest Academy hosted by The Travelin’ McCourys and other all-star players.
Discounted Advance 4-Day passes are available now. Other pass options, including DELuxe VIP packages, on-site RV passes and parking, will go on sale in the coming weeks.
Darius Rucker To Headline Inaugural SHOWdown Lex In October 2023
/by Lydia FarthingDarius Rucker. Photo: Todd Chris Owyoung
3x Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker is set to headline the inaugural SHOWdown Lex event on Oct. 13 at Rolex Stadium in the Kentucky Horse Park. Halfway to Hazard will join Rucker on the bill with direct support to be announced soon.
Two dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Various general admission and VIP pass options are available now.
Set to take place annually on the Friday before a major University of Kentucky football home game, SHOWdown will pair fans’ passions for college football and live music. The 2023 event precedes the UK vs. Mizzou matchup on Oct. 14.
As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker has raised over $3 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament.
Additionally, Rucker was recently announced as one of the honorees at Musicians On Call Millions of Moments event for more than a decade of support for the organization.
Country Stars Help First Responders Children’s Foundation Through VIP Experiences
/by Lorie HollabaughTrees for Keith Urban, Maddie & Tae, and Reba McEntire
Gaylord Opryland Resort’s 39th annual A Country Christmas event is hosting Parade of Trees from Universal Music Group Nashville, a display of Christmas trees decorated by Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Sam Hunt and Tyler Hubbard.
Along with their trees, the country stars have each donated VIP experiences, including fly-aways, VIP concert experiences, exclusive merchandise and more, to benefit First Responders Children’s Foundation. Proceeds raised will provide scholarships and mental health services to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty, including a new collaboration with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for the local Monroe Carell Jr Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
“The holidays are a special time when people come together to celebrate and be thankful for their blessings,” McEntire shares. “This holiday season, I’m thankful I can help raise awareness for the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which supports the children and families of first responders who risk their lives every day to serve our communities. I hope everyone will go to charitystars.com/paradeoftrees to enter to win and support the families of this wonderful organization.”
Other artist packages include VIP festival experiences, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade getaways, stadium flyaways, exclusive numbered prints, signed guitars, custom toy packages from Mattel, and more.
The Parade of Trees is on display in the resort’s Garden Conservatory and Cascades Atrium through Jan. 10 as a self-guided tour of the Christmas trees decorated specifically to the artist’s style or album theme. Each VIP experience will be available for bid online until Jan. 10.
Kameron Marlowe Wraps ‘We Were Cowboys Tour’ With Sold-Out Shows
/by Liza AndersonKameron Marlowe during his “We Were Cowboys Tour.” Photo: Trea Allen
Kameron Marlowe wrapped his debut headlining “We Were Cowboys Tour” with sold-out shows in Dallas and Kansas City this past weekend.
He sold over 22,000 tickets across multiple venues in markets including Nashville, Little Rock, Lexington, Birmingham, Asbury Park, Boston, New York City, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, and more.
Kameron Marlowe during his “We Were Cowboys Tour.” Photo: Trea Allen
The headline trek was one of the many milestones Marlowe celebrated this year. In August, he released his debut album We Were Cowboys via Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville. Produced by Dann Huff, the record features Gold-certified tracks “Giving You Up” and “Burn ‘Em All,” and has garnered over 378 million on-demand streams. Hewas also recently named to CMT’s Listen Up Class of 2023.
Marlowe will continue to travel in the new year, joining Thomas Rhett for the Canadian dates of his “Bring The Bar To You Tour” and opening for Chase Rice and Parker McCollum on select dates.
Additionally, Marlowe will perform at festivals including Stagecoach and Country Jam USA, and make his first appearance in Europe, performing at the 2023 C2C Festival in London and Glasgow.
My Music Row Story Highlights Key Members Of The Nashville Music Industry
/by LB CantrellThroughout 2022, MusicRow has highlighted many key figures of the Nashville music industry with its My Music Row Story column.
These individuals serve in vital roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
Below is a list of those featured in the My Music Row Story column this year. All My Music Row Story features can be found under the “MY STORY” menu tab on MusicRow‘s website.
The column will return in 2023.
– Rob Beckham
– Kerri Edwards
– RJ Curtis
– Shane Stevens
– Beverly Keel
– Mike Sistad
– Troy Tomlinson
– Becky Harris
– Alicia Warwick
– Leslie Fram
– Ebie McFarland
– Daniel Miller
– Natalie Hemby
– Marc Dennis
– Mickey Jack Cones
– Chris Kappy
– Seth England
– Jason Turner
– Brittany Schaffer
– Missi Gallimore
– Allen Brown
– Jackie Patillo
– Ben Vaughn
– Basak Kizilisik
– Shannan Hatch
– Kevin Meads
– Rusty Gaston
– Tatum Hauck-Allsep
– Martha Earls
– Rob Hendon
– Jennie Smythe
– Jen Conger
– JoJamie Hahr
– Missy Roberts
– Mandy Gallagher Morrison
– Stephanie Wright
– Chappel McCollister
– Robert Deaton
– Darin Murphy
– Ellen Truley
– Lynn Oliver-Cline
– George Couri
Read the My Music Row Story columns here.
Musicians On Call To Honor Darius Rucker & Leigh Parr Malleus At Millions Of Moments Event
/by Lydia FarthingMusicians On Call (MOC) will host its Millions of Moments event at the Wildhorse Saloon on Jan. 26. The organization will also mark a major milestone as they tally performances for more than one million people in hospitals nationwide since its founding in 1999.
UMG Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker will be recognized for more than a decade of support for MOC as he receives the Music Heals Golden Ukulele. Additionally, UMG Nashville Vice President of Media Marketing, Leigh Parr Malleus, will receive the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele for serving as a Volunteer Guide for MOC’s Nashville-area hospital programs and connecting artists to MOC’s programs and live music campaigns.
The evening will also recognize the volunteers, artists, hospital partners, patients, families, and caregivers, and will feature special appearances and performances from Sam Hunt, The War And Treaty, and Jon Pardi. Tickets go on sale on Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. CT.
“From our early days bringing music to a single hospital, to playing virtually for over 250,000 patients and caregivers nationwide during the pandemic, our organization has grown tremendously since 1999. This evening will allow us to celebrate these accomplishments and the people who are a part of them,” notes Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Honoring Darius’ and Leigh’s volunteer work with us, before, during, and since the pandemic, is a wonderful way to not only highlight their dedication and generosity, but also to spotlight the many chapters of MOC’s evolution.”
Guests at the event will be the first to experience a new proprietary, online platform that will transform MOC’s program delivery model and enable the organization to scale dramatically. MOC will also debut its new logo, revamped website, and fresh branding.
The public will be able to participate in a silent auction ahead of the event and bid on items such as signed guitars furnished by Gibson Guitars, red carpet access, and artist experiences.
Bowen * Young Announce City Winery Tour For February
/by Lorie HollabaughBowen * Young. Photo: Courtesy of IVPR
Clare Bowen and husband Brandon Robert Young, known as the duo Bowen * Young, will embark on their 2023 tour beginning Feb. 20 in Atlanta with a string of special shows at City Winery venues through the end of the month.
A hometown show at Nashville’s City Winery will take place on Feb. 23, and Chicago will be the final destination for the duo on Feb, 28. Tickets are on sale now with the option to purchase VIP experiences, including a Q&A with the duo, one song acoustic performance, a photo opportunity, and an exclusive autographed poster.
They two will also play a Nashville Bluebird Cafe show later this month on Dec. 29.
Bowen * Young Upcoming Tour Dates:
Dec. 29 – Nashville, TN – The Bluebird Cafe
Feb. 20 – Atlanta, GA – City Winery
Feb. 23 – Nashville, TN – City Winery
Feb. 28 – Chicago, IL – City Winery
Billy Strings Confirms 2023 Spring Tour With Eight Arena Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Strings. Photo: Joshua Wilkins Black
Billy Strings is extending his headline tour through spring with 22 newly-confirmed shows, including eight arena dates.
Upcoming stops in 2023 include two nights at Mobile’s Mobile Civic Center, Tampa’s Yuengling Center, three nights at St. Augustine’s St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Phoenix’s Arizona Financial Theatre, Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, two nights at Austin’s Moody Center, Tulsa’s BOK Center, St. Louis’ Chaifetz Arena and Chicago’s Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, among others. Tickets for the shows are on sale now at billystrings.com/tour.
The spring dates follow Strings’ winter tour, which will include 15 additional arena shows with stops at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for two sold out nights, Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, Charlottesville’s John Paul Jones Arena, Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, and Charleston’s North Charleston Coliseum, among others. Strings will also return to the Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 26 for a third sold-out Nashville show.
Strings released Me/And/Dad, the first album he’s recorded with his dad Terry Barber, last month via Rounder Records. The album was a longtime dream of Strings, and features new versions of 14 bluegrass and country classics that the two have been playing together since Strings was a young child.
Larry Fleet To Hit The Road On His Second Headline Run In 2023
/by Liza AndersonLarry Fleet. Photo: Matt Paskert
Singer-songwriter Larry Fleet will hit the road again in 2023 on his second headlining tour, “Larry Fleet Live.”
The 11-date trek, presented by Black Buffalo, will begin Feb. 23 in Little Rock, Arkansas, with Fleet’s fellow Big Loud Records label-mate Ben Burgess opening all shows. Tickets for “Larry Fleet Live” are available now.
Fleet also plans to open shows across the nation for Jon Pardi and Parker McCollum in the new year.
“We played almost 100 shows this past year and spent even more days than that out on the road, and I’ll tell ya, I felt grateful every single night,” shares Fleet. “Having y’all show up and hearing you singing these songs back to us will just never get old. I can’t wait to see you in the new year and keep sharing the music we’ve got cookin’ for 2023. See you out there!”
While on his first headline journey, the “One For The Road Tour,” Fleet dropped his acoustic collection The Live Sessions: Vol. 1., which includes songs from his Stacks Of Records album. He recently released a new version of the Stacks Of Records‘ track “Quittin’ Ain’t Workin,” featuring Mike Ryan.