Old Dominion performs at Whiskey Jam. Photo: Mason Allen
At Monday night’s Whiskey Jam, award-winning country group Old Dominion announced they will kick off their “No Bad Vibes Tour” this spring.
Old Dominion, who got their start as regulars on the Whiskey Jam stage, was joined by rising country stars and Whiskey Jam favorites Shawn Austin, Greylan James, Kassi Ashton and Frank Ray. All of which will be joining the band as support on the “No Bad Vibes Tour” in a first of its kind opportunity with Whiskey Jam acting as the opening act support partner.
The “No Bad Vibes Tour” follows Old Dominion’s run on Kenny Chesney’s “Here and Now 2022 Tour,” which included 23 stadium shows this summer. The reigning four-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year and five-time ACM Group of the Year will kick off the 30-date-run on Jan. 19, 2023 at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana and run through July 30.
Of the tour, Old Dominion front man Matthew Ramsey shares, “At an Old Dominion show, I think we just want people to feel happy. They should feel like they got to forget about whatever is bothering them or whatever’s weighing them down in that point in time. Just come and hangout with us, and escape for a couple hours. Then hopefully they walk out feeling a little lighter than when they walked in.”
American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 10:00 a.m. local time through Thursday, Oct. 27 at 10:00 p.m. local time.
Old Dominion “No Bad Vibes Tour” Dates:
1/19 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
1/20 – Champaign, IL – State Farm Center
1/21 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena at The Mark
1/27 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Center
1/28 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
1/30 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
2/9 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
2/10 – Rockford, IL – BMO Harris Bank Center
2/11 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy PowerHouse
2/16 – Rapid City, SD – Summit Arena
2/17 – Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
2/18 – Duluth, MN – Amsoil Arena
2/23 – Idaho Falls, ID – Hero Arena at Mountain America Center
2/24 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena
2/25 – Kennewick, WA – Toyota Center
2/28 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
3/2 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
3/3 – Calgary, AB – Saddledome
3/9 – Lethbridge, AB – Enmax Centre
3/10 – Regina, SK – Brandt Centre
3/11 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
3/31 – Key West, FL – Coffee Butler Amphitheater
4/1 – Key West, FL – Coffee Butler Amphitheater
4/13 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena
4/14 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena
4/15 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
5/4 – Savannah, GA – EnMarket Arena
5/5 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place Amphitheater
5/27 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
5/28 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
6/30 – Lake Tahoe, NV – Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s
Micah Carpenter Signs With Boom Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Emma Kiefer, Micah Carpenter, Shaina Botwin, and Joe Fisher. Photo: Nairobi Block
Rising songwriter Micah Carpenter has signed with Boom Music Group.
A multi-talented writer, producer and musician, Micah hails from Hull, Georgia. After a college career playing baseball at Georgia Tech, he made the move to Nashville in August 2019 to join his sister Mackenzie Carpenter, who recently signed with Big Machine’s The Valory Music Co.
Since moving to Nashville, Micah has worked with songwriters including Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley, Chris Tompkins, and The Warren Brothers. He has garnered cuts from Megan Moroney, Mackenzie, Jonathan Hutcherson, Dylan Marlowe, Kylie Morgan, Peytan Porter, Dylan Schneider, and more. When he’s not writing songs, Micah can be found playing guitar on the road with Big Machine recording artists Conner Smith and his sister.
“I met Micah about 4 years ago, before he even moved to town (and before he even had a mullet),” shares Boom’s Shaina Botwin. “I’ve watched him grow as a songwriter, musician, and member of the Music Row community over the last few years, and couldn’t be happier that he’s making Boom his first publishing home!”
“So thankful to have such an incredible group of people believing me,” Micah adds. “Excitement is an understatement when you’re talking about being surrounded by the caliber of hard work here at Boom. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!”
Jamie O’Neal Preps Her Debut Christmas Album, ‘Spirit & Joy’
/by Lydia FarthingJamie O’Neal. Photo: Angela Talley
Grammy nominated artist Jamie O’Neal will release her debut Christmas album, Spirit & Joy, on Oct. 21 via JOG Inc. and BFD/Audium Nashville with distribution through The Orchard. The Jeffrey Steele-penned album opener, “Christmas,” is available now.
The 10-song collection will feature festive favorites, such as “White Christmas,” “River” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” as well as three originals co-written by O’Neal, including “Christmas You,” “Gulf of Mexico” and “You Were Christmas to Me.”
Spirit & Joy was produced by O’Neal and her husband, Rodney Good, and the pair also recorded their first-ever collaboration on the project’s “Please Come Home for Christmas.” O’Neal’s father Jimmy Murphy, sister Melissa Murphy and daughter Aliyah Good also chimed in on “Do You Hear What I Hear?” The album also featured fellow ACM award-winner Collin Raye on the classic “Silver Bells.”
O’Neal’s latest album, Sometimes, celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Shiver. The project featured collaborations with John Paul White, Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride, Sara Evans and Good.
1. Christmas (Jeffrey Steele)
2. Christmas You (Jamie O’Neal, Corey Lee Barker)
3. Please Come Home for Christmas Feat. Rodney Good (Charles Brown, Gene Redd)
4. White Christmas (Irving Berlin)
5. I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Kim Gannon, Walter Kent)
6. Gulf of Mexico (Jamie O’Neal, Rodney Good, Jimmy Murphy)
7. Do You Hear What I Hear? Feat. Jimmy Murphy, Melissa Murphy and Aliyah Good (Noel Regne, Gloria Shayne)
8. You Were Christmas to Me (Jamie O’Neal, Corey Lee Barker)
9. River (Joni Mitchell)
10. Silver Bells Feat. Collin Raye (Jay Livingston, Ray Evans)
CRS Partners With NuVoodoo For CRS360 Webinar Series’ October Edition
/by Liza AndersonCountry Radio Seminar (CRS) has joined forces with NuVoodoo for the next edition of its monthly webinar series, CRS360.
Led by Clay Hunnicutt (GM, BMLG), Carolyn Gilbert (CEO, NuVoodoo Media) and Leigh Jacobs (Co-Founder, NuVoodoo Media), “Song Wars” will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. CT.
“Song Wars,” plans to take a closer look at the taste differences among gender, age groups, newer country music fans and long-time fans. Results will be based on a large sample size and vast demographic of adult country music listeners. NuVoodoo will analyze responses provided by active country radio listeners who were given thought-provoking sets of choices, reporting on the outcome of their findings.
“The intergalactic battle for radio superiority rages on daily, and every song matters. NuVoodoo and CRS will train you to become a musical Jedi Master, instead of a Clone,” says CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis.
Only a limited number of slots are available and are based on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up, click here.
Zac Brown Band, Dan + Shay, Jon Pardi To Headline Country Fest 2023
/by Lydia FarthingPhoto: Courtesy of Country Fest
Country Fest 2023 has unveiled Zac Brown Band, Dan + Shay and Jon Pardi as headliners for its three-day country music and camping event, running from June 22-24 in Cadott, Wisconsin.
Taking place across five stages, over 50 acts will be featured throughout the event’s three day slate, including Ernest, Ingrid Andress, Breland, Billy Currington, Brett Eldredge, Russell Dickerson, Joe Nichols, Elvie Shane, Kidd G, Cooper Alan, Jackson Dean, Alexandra Kay, and more.
Country Fest Main Stage. Photo: Courtesy of Country Fest
“Fans can look forward to the same organized festival they love, but with a new overall theme in 2023,” festival promoter and General Manager Wade Asher shares. “If you grew up in Wisconsin, Friday nights likely found you in a friend’s field cheersing to the summer ahead. A grown-up version of a coming-of-age tradition, we’ll pay homage to our roots through a variety of Wisconsin-themed activations and experiences. We can’t wait to reunite with our Fest Family at the country’s largest party in a hayfield…and show out-of-towners what it means to ‘party like a Sconnie.’”
Ahead of the main event, three-day ticket holders will also have access to an exclusive tailgate party that will see Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jake Worthington, Frankie Justin and Nathan King Band grace the stage on Wednesday, June 21.
A variety of ticket options are available for purchase, including VIP, Reserved Lawn, General Admission, Pit Passes, and more. For the full lineup, as well as ticket and camping information, click here.
Country To Country Marks 10 Year Anniversary, Announces Lineup For 2023 Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry to Country (C2C), Europe’s biggest country music festival, is returning March 10-12, 2023, marking the event’s 10 year anniversary. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Oct. 21) at 10 a.m. local time.
To celebrate, Zac Brown Band, Thomas Rhett and Lady A have been confirmed to headline the 2023 festival. C2C 2023 will once again take over The O2 London, 3Arena Dublin and The OVO Hydro, Glasgow next spring.
The lineup will also feature Midland, Jordan Davis, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lainey Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lindsay Ell and Matt Stell. In London, Breland will open C2C on the Friday night and will co-host the festival across the weekend with the legendary Bob Harris OBE.
The C2C Spotlight Stage will be back with the full lineup set to be revealed in the coming months. CMA’s international series, Introducing Nashville, will also make its return, featuring emerging newcomers performing an acoustic set and sharing the stories behind their songs.
“As founder of C2C, it is incredible to see the event moving into its 10th year,” notes Chris York, C2C Festival Co-Founder and Director at SJM Concerts. “A testament to the wonderful support of all artists, managers and agents who continue to believe in the power of country outside of North America. We have to thank our amazing event partners BBC Radio 2, the CMA and lastly the fans–who continue to drive the event forward and challenge us to keep moving forward. That’s what makes doing this worthwhile.”
Jack Dowling, C2C Festival Director, adds: “Country to Country is delighted to be bringing back the finest in US talent to the UK and Ireland. In our 10th year C2C keeps going from strength to strength. We’d like to thank our fantastic partners AEG Presents, the CMA and BBC Radio 2 who continue to help us deliver the best event and of course, more importantly our passionate fans. Country to Country would not be what it is without you. See you all for C2C 2023!”
“C2C is a tentpole event for our industry and our country music community,” Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, shares. “As we see country music continue to expand on a global scale, it’s events like C2C that are pivotal in maintaining that forward momentum, promoting music discovery, broadening the fan base and demonstrating the growth of country music internationally. We are thrilled to be partnering with C2C again this year and look forward to the event in March!”
Chase Rice Celebrates Becoming Pandora Billionaire
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): : BBR Music Group’s John Carroll, SiriusXM/Pandora’s Buzz Brainard and Johnny Chiang, Rice, SiriusXM/Pandora’s Alina Thompson, BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba, WHY&HOW’s Bruce Kalmick and Halie Hampton, BBR Music Group’s Chris Loss. Photo: Tyler Pico
Chase Rice was recently surprised at SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour with a plaque commemorating his Pandora Billionaire status, marking over 1.5 billion streams on the platform. In celebration of the honor, Rice has been added to Pandora’s Country Billionaires Radio.
“Throughout my career, no matter where we were at with touring or radio success, our incredible fans have consistently streamed the music,” Rice notes. “This is a testament to those fans and their love of country music. They’re why we keep pushing ourselves and why we’re so excited to share new songs with them now.”
Following his Pandora Billionaires celebration, Rice moved from one celebration to the next, making his way up Broadway to kick off Jason Aldean’s “Rock N Roll Cowboy Tour” stop at Bridgestone Arena.
Rice recently released his brand new song “Way Down Yonder,” written with Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass and Corey Crowder.
Kane Brown To Be Featured On Amazon’s New Weekly Concert Series, ‘Amazon Music Live’
/by Lydia FarthingAmazon Music has unveiled its new weekly, livestream concert series Amazon Music Live. Featuring artists from a wide variety of genres performing their latest hits live, the series will be hosted by Grammy-winning hip-hop artist 2 Chainz and will air on Prime Video following Thursday Night Football.
Streamed live from Los Angeles, Amazon Music Live will premiere Oct. 27 with musical guest Lil Baby. On Nov. 3, three-time Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion will grace the Amazon Music Live stage, and on Nov. 10, country music superstar Kane Brown will treat fans to songs from his new album, Different Man. More performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Whether you’re a sports fan waiting for the first football game of the week, or a music fan staying up late to hear the latest drop from your favorite artist, Thursday is the biggest night for entertainment,” explains Kirdis Postelle, Global Head of Artist Marketing of Amazon Music. “With Amazon Music Live, we’ve created a new, can’t-miss series for fans to experience the most exciting new music together. For artists, this show represents a massive new stage to share their music with fans after Thursday Night Football—the biggest game of the week, airing live on Prime Video.”
Each week’s performance will be filmed in front of a live audience. In addition to hosting the series, 2 Chainz will interview each artist during Thursday Night Football shoulder programming. Each concert will also be available to stream on-demand for a limited time.
“Every Thursday night, I’m bringing the biggest and the brightest stars in music to the Amazon Music Live stage in Los Angeles,” adds 2 Chainz. “We have the people that are influencing the culture and have carved their own unique path in music, like Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, and Kane Brown. Amazon Music Live is the only place to be for the official Thursday turn up!”
ACM Lifting Lives Announces 2022-2023 Grant Cycle Recipients
/by Lorie HollabaughACM Lifting Lives has announced its 2022-2023 grant cycle beneficiaries, which include Abilities First, Inc.; the Dee Dee Jackson Foundation; Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee; Lawrence Hall; Melodic Caring Project; Musicians On Call; Operation Song; Resounding Joy, Inc.; and Songs for Sound, Inc.
The 2022-2023 recipients work with children, veterans and active-duty military members and their families, school programs, those fighting illnesses, and more across the U.S. Additionally, ACM Lifting Lives has provided grants to organizations prioritizing mental/physical well-being, including Music Health Alliance and counseling services through Porter’s Call.
These grants, as well as the organization’s ongoing digital content series The Check-In, which features artists delving into their own mental health experiences and sharing how music has played a role in their healing, underscore the importance of supporting music therapy, mental health organizations, and individuals struggling with these mental and emotional challenges.
“We are honored to announce our newest grant recipients, compromised of organizations that will continue doing essential work and making an impact on so many people nationwide. We are grateful to the country music community for supporting ACM Lifting Lives and making it possible for us to contribute to these worthy groups and support their meaningful work,” notes Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director.
Launched in May 2022 and tied to Mental Health Awareness Month, this allocation of grants continues ACM Lifting Lives’ history of supporting diverse and impactful organizations providing music therapy programs, shining a national spotlight on their work, and harnessing the healing and rejuvenating power of music.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival Announces Dates For 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughJon Batiste. Photo: Terry Wyatt
Fresh on the heels of its successful 2022 event just weeks ago, the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has announced its dates for 2023. The two-day event will return to Harlinsdale Park in Franklin, Tennessee on Sept. 23-24, 2023.
Brandi Carlile. Photo: Erika Goldring
Over 17,000 packed the grounds for this year’s festival, which featured plenty of food, fun and performances from Brandi Carlile, Jon Batiste, Elle King, Butch Walker, Marty Stuart, and more. The weekend closed out with sets from the Avett Brothers and Chris Stapleton.
Crowds also enjoyed refreshments at the Farm-to-Turntable Food Truck Park and in the Craft Beer Hall, and in between sets, shopped from local artisans and retailers in Makers Village.
Fans can sign up to receive e-mail alerts at pilgrimagefestival.com and be the first to know about pre-sales, lineup information, and more.
Chris Stapleton. Photo: Terry Wyatt
Old Dominion To Hit The Road In Spring 2023, Whiskey Jam To Be Opening Act Support Partner
/by LB CantrellOld Dominion performs at Whiskey Jam. Photo: Mason Allen
At Monday night’s Whiskey Jam, award-winning country group Old Dominion announced they will kick off their “No Bad Vibes Tour” this spring.
Old Dominion, who got their start as regulars on the Whiskey Jam stage, was joined by rising country stars and Whiskey Jam favorites Shawn Austin, Greylan James, Kassi Ashton and Frank Ray. All of which will be joining the band as support on the “No Bad Vibes Tour” in a first of its kind opportunity with Whiskey Jam acting as the opening act support partner.
The “No Bad Vibes Tour” follows Old Dominion’s run on Kenny Chesney’s “Here and Now 2022 Tour,” which included 23 stadium shows this summer. The reigning four-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year and five-time ACM Group of the Year will kick off the 30-date-run on Jan. 19, 2023 at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana and run through July 30.
Of the tour, Old Dominion front man Matthew Ramsey shares, “At an Old Dominion show, I think we just want people to feel happy. They should feel like they got to forget about whatever is bothering them or whatever’s weighing them down in that point in time. Just come and hangout with us, and escape for a couple hours. Then hopefully they walk out feeling a little lighter than when they walked in.”
American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 10:00 a.m. local time through Thursday, Oct. 27 at 10:00 p.m. local time.
Old Dominion “No Bad Vibes Tour” Dates:
1/19 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
1/20 – Champaign, IL – State Farm Center
1/21 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena at The Mark
1/27 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Center
1/28 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
1/30 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
2/9 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
2/10 – Rockford, IL – BMO Harris Bank Center
2/11 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy PowerHouse
2/16 – Rapid City, SD – Summit Arena
2/17 – Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
2/18 – Duluth, MN – Amsoil Arena
2/23 – Idaho Falls, ID – Hero Arena at Mountain America Center
2/24 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena
2/25 – Kennewick, WA – Toyota Center
2/28 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
3/2 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
3/3 – Calgary, AB – Saddledome
3/9 – Lethbridge, AB – Enmax Centre
3/10 – Regina, SK – Brandt Centre
3/11 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
3/31 – Key West, FL – Coffee Butler Amphitheater
4/1 – Key West, FL – Coffee Butler Amphitheater
4/13 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena
4/14 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena
4/15 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
5/4 – Savannah, GA – EnMarket Arena
5/5 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place Amphitheater
5/27 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
5/28 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
6/30 – Lake Tahoe, NV – Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s