TICKETS OPEN NOW: MusicRow’s 2026 Rising Women On The Row Event

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Tickets for MusicRow‘s 13th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast event are on sale now.

This year, honorees are Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone and Elisa Vazzana. Read more about them here.

City National Bank is Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Rising Women on the Row, which will take place at Nashville’s JW Marriott at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.

Ebie McFarland will be this year’s featured speaker. Attendees will gain insights from her during an on-stage interview with MusicRow Publisher and Owner Sherod Robertson.

New this year: a very limited number of VIP Reserved Tables for 10, offering priority seating and additional perks (full details available at the purchase link below).

Standard Tables for 10 are also available and include recognition in event materials. Individual tickets may be purchased as well.

Tickets for Rising Women on the Row are now closed. They will not be sold at the door.

Tickets will not be sold at the door.

For any questions regarding the event, contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com. For advertising and sponsorship inquiries, reach out to Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com.

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

Nashville’s 615 Indie Live Reveals Complete Artist Lineup & Schedule

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615 Indie Live has revealed its complete roster of performers for the 2026 showcases, set to take place across 15 independent Nashville venues on Feb. 7.

The complete event schedule is available on the event app, available for iPhone and Android. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit MVAN, and the festival will donate $2 per ticket to WNXP.

Angie K, A Tribe Of Horsemen, Castle, JJ Niceley, Kanude, Knyghts, Lewis Stubbs Junior, McKinley James, Ron Gallo, Suadi, The Prickly Pair, The Whooligan, Total Wife and Turquoise Gate will join the previously announced lineup of Amelia Day, Anastasia Elliot, Bones Owens, Boy Orbison, Brian Wright, Bryant Taylorr, The Brummies, Campanula, Charles Wigg Walker, Claire Ernst, Christina Vane with Joshua Hedley, Crystal Rose, Daphne, David Cook Quintet feat. Jeff Coffin with Miguel Alvarado, DeeOhGee, DJ Nat Ward, Eddie Angel’s Guitar Party, Family Dog, Genevieve Heyward, Hayden Pattengale, Heavy Quitters, Hector Tellez Jr, Henri Herbert and The Fury, Hogslop String Band, Hussy Fit, Jacob Jezioro & Jordan Perlson, JT Loux, Justin Webb & The Noise, Kenny Sharp, Laney Jones and The Spirits, Lilly Hiatt, Lilly Winwood, Lombardy, Marc Payne Quintet w/ Don Aliquo, Massie 99, The Minks, New Translations, Plainview Vibes’ Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Rob Linton & Josh Cook, Rolling Stone Nashville Now with Noeline Hofmann, Rougarou, The Sewing Club, Simon Mogul, SWEETTALKER, TEN, Texas Chain Store Managers, Thunder and Rain, Venus & the Flytraps and Zandi Hollup.

Participating venues include 3rd and Lindsley, Acme Feed & Seed, Anzie Blue, Cannery Hall, Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, DRKMTTR Collective, Eastside Bowl, Mirror Mirror, Music Makers Stage at Delgado Guitars, Night We Met, Rudy’s Jazz Room, The 5 Spot, The Basement, The East Room and The End.

“Independent venues are the backbone of our scene in the 615 and crucial incubators of our creative community,” says artist Lewis Stubbs Junior. “A festival dedicated to lifting up the stages that lift us up every day isn’t just an honor to be a part of, it’s what Nashville is all about.”

“615 Indie Live is a perfect example of how Nashville’s music culture is woven throughout our city,” shares Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “It supports local artists and independent venues while offering visitors and locals the chance to discover great music in unique neighborhoods and intimate venues that are the heart of our city’s live music legacy.”

“This event goes beyond showcasing the depth of our local talent, it’s a moment to honor the community that keeps our music ecosystem thriving,” adds Chris Cobb, President of the Music Venue Alliance Nashville. “Whether you’re discovering your next favorite artist, stepping into a neighborhood venue for the first time, or just wanting to support the scene you love, Nashville belongs here on February 7th.”

‘Bluegrass Nights At The Ryman’ Unveils 2026 Lineup

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Springer Mountain Farms “Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman” will return to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this summer, beginning June 16 and continuing every Tuesday night through July 21.

Season passes for all six shows are available now, with single-show tickets going on sale Feb. 20.

Among this year’s guests are Dailey & Vincent, Watkins Family Hour, Mason Via, Sam Bush, Sister Sadie, Sierra Hull, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.

All shows are preceded by WSM Radio’s free “Pickin’ on the Plaza” pre-show, featuring live performances from regional bluegrass artists on the Ryman’s PNC Plaza.

2026 Springer Mountain Farms “Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman” Lineup:
June 16 – Dailey & Vincent
June 23 – Watkins Family Hour with Mason Via
June 30 – Sam Bush with Sister Sadie
July 7 – Sierra Hull
July 14 – The Infamous Stringdusters
July 21 – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Rock The Country Returns To Eight U.S. Cities In Celebration Of America’s 250th Anniversary

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Rock The Country will visit eight U.S. cities on the new “Rock The Country Tour,” a multi-city festival experience taking place from May through September.

The two-day events are built around lineups with artists including Kid Rock, Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Creed, Brooks & Dunn, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr., Shinedown, Jon Pardi, Ella Langley, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brantley Gilbert, Treaty Oak Revival, Gavin Adcock, Ludacris, Nelly and more. Each stop will also feature daily throwback happy hour DJ sets and a special host appearance by Chelcie Lynn in select markets.

“It’s this simple. Rock The Country isn’t just a music festival; it’s a movement,” says Kid Rock. “In 2026, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this is a place for hard-working, God-fearing patriots to gather as one and celebrate freedom, music, and the party of the year”.

“Rock The Country was built to honor the communities that don’t always get the spotlight, but show up with heart every single time,” says Nathan Baugh, CEO and Partner of Peachtree Entertainment.

“As we look ahead to 2026 and America’s 250th anniversary, we are raising the bar across the entire tour with bigger lineups, more intentional fan experiences, and meaningful investments in comfort and production,” adds Shane Quick, President of Live Events. “This is not just a tour. It is a celebration of the people, places, and music that define this country.”

New for 2026, Rock The Country is introducing Front Porch festival passes, designed for fans looking for the ultimate all-inclusive weekend. Each Front Porch pass includes seating with elevated sightlines, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and dinner curated by Chef David Bancroft, a dedicated entrance, a weekend parking pass, and additional premium amenities. In addition to Front Porch and VIP offerings, Rock The Country will offer single-day and weekend General Admission tickets, GA+ passes providing closest access to the stage, hotel packages, and camping options. Presale tickets begin Jan. 16 and fans can register for presale access at rockthecountry.com. Public on-sale begins Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. local time, with single day ticket prices starting at $89.99 plus fees or $149.99 plus fees for both days.

Rock The Country Tour 2026 (lineups vary per city):
Bellville, TX – Austin County Fairgrounds – May 1-2
Bloomingdale, GA – Ottawa Farms – May 29-30
Sioux Falls, SD – W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds – June 27-28
Ashland, KY – Boyd County Fairgrounds – July 10-11
Anderson, SC – Anderson Sports & Ent Center – July 25-26
Hastings, MI – Barry Expo Center – August 8-9
Ocala, FL – Florida Horse Park – August 28-29
Hamburg, NY – Erie County Fairgrounds – September 11-12

Julianna Rankin Inks With Big Loud Texas

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Pictured (L-R): Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert, Julianna Rankin, Allie Sisoian (Manager, Red Light Management), Brendon Anthony (VP, Big Loud Texas). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Julianna Rankin has signed with Big Loud Texas.

“I keep saying I wish I owned stock in the word ‘excited’ – it was, without a doubt, my most used word this past year,” shares Rankin. “I can confidently say the road that led me to signing with Big Loud Texas has been nothing short of cosmic. Having the opportunity to work with Miranda [Lambert] and Jon [Randall] is the kind of blessing any artist could ever hope for. They know the ropes and the road, and they prioritize the music – everything starts with a song. I couldn’t feel more grateful and ready to chase this dream with the entire Big Loud family at my side.”

“We are so proud to have Julianna join Big Loud Texas,” adds Lambert. “She is country, she is soul and has one of those voices that you’ve heard your whole life yet never heard quite like hers before… fresh and familiar. I can’t wait for the world to get to know her through her songs because her spirit shines through with every lyric she writes.”

Rankin was first discovered by the label at Aryln Studios’ 40th anniversary party. After the party concluded, Rankin, Lambert, Randall and Jack Ingram stayed up passing guitars and songs around the room.

Hailing from Texas, Rankin grew up listening to classic country and blues. Her influences include Keith Whitley, Bobbie Gentry, Waylon Jennings, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King and James Taylor. After attending Texas A&M, she set out on her musical journey.

To celebrate the signing, Rankin released her new tune “Bad Habits and Good Horses” today (Jan. 14). Written with Garrett Bradford and Jon Decious, the track will be featured on the season finale of Landman.

“Having this song land in Landman is something I’m really proud of,” adds Rankin. “I’m excited that this piece of music found a home that helps tell a story, it’s a sweet reminder of why I write songs in the first place.”

Jim Van Hook, Christian Music Industry Veteran, Passes Away

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Jim Van Hook

Jim Van Hook, the former founder and CEO/President of Provident Music and Brentwood Music as well as CEO/President of Word Entertainment, passed away on Sunday (Jan. 11) at his home. He was 84.

Born in Alabama and raised in Georgia, Hook moved to Nashville to attend Trevecca Nazarene University, where he received a degree in Christian Education. He later earned a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College and an honorary doctorate from Trevecca.

After spending time teaching at the university level, Hook served as the Minister of Music at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma. He then founded the traveling Christian group, Bridge.

In 1978, Hook became the Senior Vice President of The Benson Company. He later founded Brentwood Music, which grew to become one of the largest companies in Christian music. Hook sold Brentwood Music to the Zomba Corporation in 1994, renaming it Provident Music, where he successfully served as President and CEO for the next nine years.

Later Hook returned to education as the founding Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University. He then became President and CEO of Word Entertainment, as well as the President of the Nazarene Publishing House, before retiring.

Hook was honored with a Special Citation of Appreciation by BMI in 2013.

Hook is preceded in death by his wife of many years, Myra Sue (Susie) Hayes. He is survived by his son, Brent and Susan Michelle, and grandchildren Matthew and John David Van Hook; his daughter, Susan and Rod Riley, and grandchildren Anna and Jack Riley; his sister, Ann Parham; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members; as well as his girlfriend Judy Taylor.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, with visitation two hours prior to the service at Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027. A private burial will take place at Williamson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gospel Music Association Foundation.

Waylon Wyatt To Embark On ‘Everywhere Under The Sun Tour’

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Waylon Wyatt. Photo: Jake Zaoutis

Waylon Wyatt will hit the road this spring on his headlining “Everywhere Under The Sun Tour.”

Kicking off April 23 in New Braunfels, Texas, the tour will stop in Little Rock, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wilmington, North Carolina and more across its eleven dates.

“Can’t wait to be out on the road with the band again,” says Wyatt. “Headlining just about all the mile markers you can think of and opening for the one and only Sam Barber. Gonna be a good one this year. So much new music I’ve been working on for y’all. Been tryna get an album built up and I’ll definitely be trying some of them out at these shows so make sure y’all get out to one. Or I guess just wait til the album drops. Either way we’re gonna be moving different this year and it’s definitely gonna be a tour to remember!!”

The Hackett, Arkansas native will return to Europe later this year for C2C Festival 2026 with dates in Berlin, Rotterdam, London, Belfast and Glasgow, and headlining dates in Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen. He will also support Sam Barber on select North American dates.

“Everywhere Under The Sun Tour” Dates:
April 23 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall
April 27 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
April 28 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall
May 1 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
May 2 – Urbana, IL – The Canopy Club
May 4 – Detroit, MI – El Club
May 5 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
May 6 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre
May 8 – Charlottesville, VA – The Jefferson Theater
May 9 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
May 10 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm

BMI Names Lee Thomas Miller As 2026 Songwriter Ambassador

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Lee Thomas Miller.

BMI has named Lee Thomas Miller as its 2026 BMI Songwriter Ambassador in Residence for the Nashville Creative office.

Throughout the year, Miller will host his own BMI Acoustic Lounge, lead BMI’s signature round at the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival and perform at BMI’s Key West Songwriters Festival and Annapolis Songwriters Festival. He will serve as a key speaker during exclusive BMI events such as BMI’s Next Big Wave Mixer as well as BMI’s Catalog Cast, where he will converse with Belmont University, MTSU and TSU students during the spring course.

“I signed with BMI in the late ’80s, and they were the first place I went to play terrible songs and demos on cheap cassette tapes. BMI has been one of the few constants through decades of change,” says Miller. “Not only are they a vital part of my own career, but I also have the honor of fighting alongside them for reform and protection in our copyright laws. It is humbling that BMI would ask me to serve in this capacity. It is the kind of program that makes our music community a family.”

“Few people understand the songwriter journey like Lee Thomas Miller, who has navigated this changing industry for three decades,” adds BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville Clay Bradley. “His ability to lead by example and his rooted experience make him the ideal ambassador to help remind songwriters of their worth.”

Miller has earned 13 BMI Awards, both the CMA and an ACM “Song of the Year” award for Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” the CMA “Single of the Year” award for Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This” and three Grammy nominations. He has amassed seven No. 1 hits, 18 Top 20 singles, over 25 million radio spins and over 100 million streams. He has additional cuts with Scotty McCreery, Hailey Whitters, Bryan Martin, Brandon Heath, Parker McCollum, Jason Aldean, Brothers Osborne, Kelsey Hart, Kashus Culpepper and more. In 2015, Miller received the inaugural BMI Champion Award and currently serves as President of NSAI.

ACM & ACM Lifting Lives Reveal New Hires & Promotions

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Pictured (L-R): Elizabeth Hagler, Julie Alcaraz & Brooke Boyd.

The Academy of Country Music and its philanthropic partner, ACM Lifting Lives, have made new hires and promotions across its human resources, accounting and philanthropic departments, elevating one and adding two.

Elizabeth Hagler joins the ACM as Head of Operations, People & Culture. In this role, Hagler will work closely with executive leadership, creative teams and others to support the Academy’s workforce. Previously, the Tullahoma native held her position at Parking Management Company for six years where she expanded the company’s presence on the east coast and oversaw the development of 1,500 employees. She led charitable initiatives including an Angel Tree Partnership, planning events with Make-A-Wish and more.

Julie Alcaraz joins the ACM as a Senior Accountant, Finance & Accounting. Graduating from William Paterson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business and a Master’s Degree from California State University, Los Angeles, she previously worked at Universal Music Group as Senior Manager, International Royalties before moving to Nashville as the NA Royalties Director for Universal Music Publishing. She opened an accounting firm serving small business owners before accepting a position at Concord Music Group as Director of Accounts Receivable. In addition to her role at the ACM, she also serves as Treasurer and Board Member of Beloved Community Co-Op, a small nonprofit homeschool cooperative in Indiana.

Brooke Boyd has been elevated to Coordinator, ACM Lifting Lives. She began her career at the ACM as an intern in 2023 and was quickly promoted to a full-time assistant. In her new role, Boyd will continue contributing to the growth and success of ACM Lifting Lives’ programs and initiatives. She is a Clemson University alumna.

Josh Osborne Featured As Country Music Hall Of Fame’s Next ‘Poets and Prophets’ Honoree

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Award-winning songwriter Josh Osborne will be featured in The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s next installment of its “Poets and Prophets” interview series on Feb. 21.

A Kentucky native, Osborne began writing songs as a teen and moved to Nashville immediately after high school in 1998, signing his first publishing deal shortly thereafter. Osborne honed his craft for more than a decade before hitting his stride in the 2010s and earning his first No. 1 with Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” in 2012. Now one of Nashville’s go-to tunesmiths, he has scored more than 30 additional chart-toppers, including “Drunk Last Night” (Eli Young Band); “Leave the Night On” and “Body Like a Back Road” (Sam Hunt); “One Man Band” (Old Dominion); “Sangria” and “My Eyes” (Blake Shelton) and “Sand in My Boots” (Morgan Wallen).

Osborne has won two Grammys for Best Country Song: in 2014 for “Merry Go ’Round” and in 2025 for “The Architect,” both by Kacey Musgraves and co-written with Musgraves and Shane McAnally. He was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2021 and NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year in 2019. In 2014, Osborne’s name was added to the Country Music Highway (U.S. Route 23), which runs through his home county in Kentucky.

The interview will be moderated by Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer and will be accompanied by photos, film and recordings. After the program, Osborne will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. “Poets and Prophets” is included with museum admission and free to museum members, however seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance.

The museum’s Poets and Prophets series was launched in 2007 and has spotlighted more than 50 songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.