Nashville Music Guide Summer Issue 2022 Vol 30 Issue 202 by Nashville Music Guide

s Volume 30 | Issue 202

Summer Edition

PUBLICIZING SINGERS, WRITERS AND MUSICIANS TO MUSIC ROW & BEYOND SINCE 1995

Chris Stapleton & Miranda Lambert are Breaking Records in 2022

Our LARGEST artist features issue of the year, including Alyssa Bonagura, Cali Tucker, Williams Honor, Frankie Justin, Mackenzie Phipps, Alex Miller, Allie Colleen, Clay Aery and more Tanya Tucker Celebrates 50 years of “Delta Dawn” Features on Upcoming Summer Events in Nashville and Beyond

Also Inside: Tin Pan South Wrap Up, Steeplechase, TN Ren Fest, Hangout, Bonnaroo, CMA Fest, Inside Track on Music Row & More

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Editor’s Notes Greetings from Nashville Music Guide, Time flies when you are having fun, and there are so many great things that have been happening in 2022 and that are still on the horizon for this year. Nashville has so many excting, upcomig events this summer season and this issue is chalked full of quite a few of them as well as a few recaps of ones that have already happened. Our last issue was our radio issue that focused around the time of the Coutry Radio Seminar, which was back in person this year. While the attendance was not as high as in year’s past the concensus was that it was a success and the attendees that were there were able to make solid connections and as always, the Country Radio Broadcasters Association did a wonderful job putting it together and ensuring that the content was relevant and satisying - all while following safety protocols. We had the opportunity to chat with several artists that have new music coming to radio as well as exciting touring and music that is happening this summer and later on this year. We have included stories on each of these artists in this issue and hope that you will enjoy catching up on what’s new with them as much as we did. Some of the artists you will read about are Cali Tucker, Williams Honor, Frankie Justin, John Berry, Alex Miller and so many more. We also were able to attend Tin Pan South this year and have a wrap up story by our very own Preshias Harris, whose Inside Track music news column can also be found in this issue. As always, Preshias’Inside Track is full of buzz worthy news that we have come to know from her column that is one of the longest running country music industry columns to date. As mentioned earlier in our notes, there are so many exciting events coming to Nashville this summer season. Our focus of this issue was highlighting events through July and they aren’t just concerts some include Tennessee Renaissance Festival, Nascar Cup Series, WWE SummerSlam, Steeplechase and the Mac and Cheese Festival. As far as upcoming musical events highlighted we have compiled a first look at events such as Music Biz Conference, Immersive Van Gogh CMA Fest and Bonnaroo. A little beyond Nashville but noteworthy all the same are our previews of Hangout and Cave Fest. As you will note as you read this issue we have included upcoming event posters for all kinds of happenings that should keep you busy all summer. We are looking forward to covering them all and hope that you will look forward to our recaps in our next issue which will be our in August, on NashvilleMusicGuide.com, and our socials @NashMusicGuide. Being able to continue our mantra of publicizing singers, writers and musicians to Music Row and beyond is all thanks to the support of the amazing music community and readers. We thank you and hope that you enjoy this issue! - Randy Rich & Amanda Andrews NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Publisher & CEO Randy Rich Editor@NashvilleMusicGuide.com 615-973-2188 Managing Editor Amanda Andrews akandrews@NashvilleMusicGuide.com 615-481-5837 Contributors Preshias Harris, Jessica Northey, Rick Amburgey, Sherryl Craig, Steve Kilgore, Jessica Andrews, Captain Joe Kent, Cilene Bosch, Krys Midgett, Jan Braun Photography Bob Coan, Jerry Overcast, Randi Radcliff, Mara Birdwell, Catrina Engelby, Alexandra Arielle, Danielle Del Valle Founder Dan Wunsch HOW TO REACH NMG Press releases, CD Reviews Editor@NashvilleMusicGuide.com To check out the digital version of this issue as well as back issues of Nashville Music Guide scan the QR Code

Features

Contents

Tin Pan South Recap

Nashvillains Juna N Joey Makenzie Phipps Shenandoah CJ Solar John Berry

Dave Wilbert

Allie Colleen Clay Aery Deborah Allen Alannah McCready Donovon Chapman

Cali Tucker Williams Honor

David Frizzell Don McLean

Tanya Tucker Elvie Shane

Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton

Music Biz Conference 45 Iroquois Steeplechase

25 26

Dallas Remington 28 JD Shelburne Shane Owens Exile 30 Ben Gallaher Whiskey on the Rocks 32 Kyle English 34 Tori Martin Manny Blu 38 Brian Callihan Paulina Jayne 40 Noah Guthrie 41 Molly Lovette Madison Station Emily Blackbird Andrea Vasquez 41 Tommy Townsend

Tennessee Renaissance Festival & History of 46 Castell Gwynn Immersive Van Gogh Nashville Hangout 2022 Bonnaroo 2022 Alyssa Bonagura

CreatiVets Memorial for Jeff Carson Black Keys North to Nashville

Nascar Cup Series Comes to Nashville 51 Superspeedway Frankie Justin

WWE SummerSlam Comes to Nashville

Cave Fest 2022

Timberhawk Hall

Departments

Editor’s Letter

Sounding Board 33

Nashville’s First Pro 50 Bull Riding Team, Nashville Stampede

Alex Miller

Country with Heart Loretta Lynn The Isaacs Craig Morgan Chris Tomlin Walker Hayes CD Baby DIY Conf. Criag Campbell

Gavin Lee

Dakota Poorman

Morgan Wallen Americanafest Gene Watson Jason Aldean

CMA Fest 2022

Inside Track

Garth Brooks Les Paul & Gibson Meghan Linsey The Struts Riley Green Levon Helm&Mavis Staples Kacey Musgraves Texas Hill NSAI News

Dierks Bentley Opry News 52 - The Podcast Jeannie Seely

Porter Howell Chris Bandi Midland

Chris Stapleton The Judds Beyond the Edge Who’s Looking/Cutting

Music Venues NashvilleMusicGuide.com

30th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival in Nashville World’s largest songwriter fest back in-person after pandemic hiatus

The 30th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is now one for the history books and will be long remembered by the enthusiastic audiences that enjoyed the shows and the songwriters who entertained them. Tin Pan South – the largest songwriter festival in the world – was established in 1993 by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). The Festival was once again presented by Regions Bank and back on track after a two-year pandemic-related hiatus. Over 400 uniquely talented songwriters spanning multiple genres played live, showcasing their hit songs sharing the stories behind them, and premiering new and unreleased songs in intimate settings over nine venues across Music City. To truly pick ‘highlights’ from this year’s Festival is an impossible task: the phrase, “You had to be there” really applies to Tin Pan South. With multiple shows running concurrently at different venues across Music City, I was forced to make some difficult choices, zipping between venues via Uber and Lyft. One of the many shows on Night One was the Songs for Sound Benefit show at the Elliston Place Soda Shop. Songs for Sound is the official charity of the 30th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriter’s Festival 2022 - they use a passionate and compelling story about hearing loss and music to create awareness, increase access, and encourage action surrounding hearing loss. SFS aims to serve 250k people by 2025. The lineup includes Eric Dodd, Makayla Lynn, and Jason Tucker. More info about Songs for Sound at their website https://songsforsound.com. Every night presented memorable and moving moments. However well I know a song and the songwriters who wrote it, there are always “I didn’t know that” moments during the rounds when a writer shares the story behind the song from the perspective of the creator. Frequently, the audience could be heard singing along and taking the

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opportunity to preview new songs that have not yet been released. Surprise guests, including the recording artists who charted with the songs, were in attendance at several of the shows, including Morgan Evans, Jameson Rogers, and Mackenzie Carpenter who all hopped up on stage during the ‘Hits From The Tape Room!’ round at 3rd & Lindsley (stage sponsored by Visit Music City), Callista Clark who appeared at Listening Room Cafe, and Tenille Arts surprised the audience at the Hard Rock Cafe (stage sponsored by Musicnotes) during the round presented by HOT 106.7. This year’s Tin Pan South included the first-ever ‘in-person’ NSAI Member Awards, presented by Regions Bank. During the ceremony, I was surprised to actually receive a medallion myself – an unexpected honor. Wrapping up after five unforgettable days of awe-inspiring shows, it was apparent that songwriters and festival-goers were ready to make up for lost time and celebrate the festival’s 30th Anniversary. Dates have already been announced for the 2023 Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival - March 28 - April 1, 2023 - so mark your calendars! Visit www.tinpansouth.com for more info. Updates can also be found on the Tin Pan South Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/TinPanSouth, Twitter https://twitter. com/tinpansouth, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ tinpansouth/. Established in 1967, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization and has a membership of more than 5,000 spanning the United States and eight (8) foreign countries. More about NSAI here http://www.nashvillesongwriters.com. Story by Preshias Harris; Photo: Savannah Grimm/NSAI

Brad Tursi at The Listening Room. Photo: Catrina Engelby

L to R: Songwriters Shane Minor, Caitlyn Smith, Chase McGill, Brad Tursi of Old Dominion, appearing at The Listening Room. Photo: Preshias Harris

Carly Pearce appearing at 3rd & Lindsey. Photo: Catrina Engelby

L to R: Buck Johnson performs the ‘Rockin’ Da Country’ show at Hard Rock Cafe (stage sponsored by MusicNotes, presented by 96.3 JACK FM), Photo: Brittni Talley L to R: Bill Anderson, Jim “Moose” Brown, Buddy Cannon, and Teea Goans taking over The Bluebird Cafe (stage sponsored by Academy of Country Music), Photo: Erika Wollam Nichols

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Nashvillains Release Debut Album consist of Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, and Brett Boyett. The three wrote every song on the album and was produced by Boyett. Tumbling Down conveys the tale of a man trying to rebuild his life after living through the Nashvillains are a consequences of bad newly formed group decisions. that looks to create Concept albums, a fresh musical especially those that landscape by blurring contain darker content, lines between genres, have become foreign bending the rules to the Country music of convention, and scene. After spending expanding country years in the industry, music. Nashvillians wanted Their sonic landscape to create an album on their debut album, perceived as more Tumbling Down, is provocative than the accomplished by music commonly heard using traditional on mainstream country instrumentation with radio. With this album, creative modern they try to fill a niche programming while in the Country music emphasizing the landscape through the dramatic and untold composition of mature, stories rarely touched cinematic themes. upon by today’s popular For more information country music. on the album and group: The Fate Ent. Group nashvillainsband.com

Up-Coming Duo Alert: Juna N Joey opportunities with DreamworksTV, Nickelodeon’s “America’s Most Musical Family,” interest from “America’s Got Talent,” and a tour with “American Idol” alum Cade Foehner, to say they have remained Sing-songwriter, sibling busy in recent years is duo Juna N Joey have an understatement. been paying their They recently released musical dues for the their single “Till Your last 10 years, and that Heart Breaks” which is saying something was produced by Kenny considering they are 16 Royster. and 19 now. We have The track tells the been watching them story of a narrator grow into the artists enduring his first they are now over the heartbreak and feeling years, and while they the crushing emotions still have a ways to go, that accompany the they are making waves experience of losing not just in the industry, someone. Written but also with their alongside Kaylianne organically developed Lowe and Doug Lowe, +40,000 social fan base. the duo describes the Their YouTube has pain of a relationship over 7 million collective falling apart. views. Additionally, Their signature pop the duo has amassed sound is here to stay over 11 million views with more to come. and 1.5 million likes For more information: on TikTok. Between junanjoey.com

Shenandoah 35th Anniversary Tour Songwriter Spotlight with CJ Solar Heart” duet with Alison Krauss. Now the group is hitting the tour trail to commemorate 35 years since its inception. “To believe we’d still be in the music business, as ever changing as it is, would When country music only come to me in lovers talk about the one form: the country greatest groups in the music fan base,” says genre, Shenandoah is Shenandoah front man always at the forefront Marty Raybon. “It’s of any discussion. a wonderful thing Fueled by Marty to experience while Raybon’s distinctive looking out over an vocals and the band’s audience where the age skilled musicianship, span is so wide. It is Shenandoah became most humbling.” well known for The tour includes delivering such hits stops in Indio, CA. as “Two Dozen (Stagecoach), Fort Roses,” “Church on Worth, TX. (Billy Cumberland Road” and Bob’s), Albuquerque, “Next to You, Next to NM. (Balloon Fiesta Me” as well as such Park), Hot Springs, achingly beautiful AR. (Magic Springs), classics as “I Want to be Nevada, MS. Loved Like That” and (Bushwhacker Days), the GRAMMY winning and more. For more info “Somewhere in the shenandoahband.com Vicinity of the

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CJ Solar is an awardwinning singer songwriter that has penned #1 songs for Morgan Wallen (“Up Down” ft. Florida Georgia Line) and Jameson Rodgers (“Some Girls”). He won ASCAP Awards for both songs and also cowrote Jason Aldean’s “I Don’t Drink Anymore,” Justin Moore’s “Between You & Me,” Jerrod Niemann’s “The Regulars” and Top 30 “Blue Bandana” and more. While notorious for his songs for others under his exclusive writers agreement with Edgehill Music

Publishing, he is also an artist himself and his latest album, The Future’s Neon, on Raining Bacon Records is set for release this summer. He co-wrote all nine cuts on The Future’s Neon album, collaborating with Devin Barker, Kenton Bryant, Bart Butler, Frankie Courtney, Corey Crowder, Jackson Dean, Bob DiPiero, Aaron Eshius, Jeff Garrison, HARDY, Jason Lehning, Lynn Hutton, Joey Hyde, Billy Montana, and Lydia Vaughan on the other eight songs. When he is not wirting, CJ tours coastto-coast headlining his own dates and opening for the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Gary Allan, Chris Janson, Hank Jr, Aaron Watson and others. For more information: cjsolar.com

New Music from Makenzie Phipps Josie Music Awards. The song is about love lost. Beginning in a low note which builds in volumes in the chorus, Phipps displays her vocal range throughout the song, which features an acoustic melody that lets the lyrics and vocals to stand out. Makenzie has said of the songs meaning that it came from seeing all of these people in the world trying to figure out the reason their love/relationships ended, when in fact, there’s no concrete answer to that. Aside from Makenzie’s music, her overall presence resonates sweet sentiments. She can quiet a buzzing crowd in one note and is slated to be a country sweetheart for sure. More information at

Makenzie Phipps has a unique vocal brilliance that is reminiscent of the classics like Loretta Lynn but with the fire of Miranda Lambert. Hailing from Virginia and coming from a musical background, Makenzie has been performing and honing her craft for numerous years performing at fairs, festivals and honky tonks around the country. Makenzie recently showed off her unique southern soulful sound on her single, “Maybe.” The song won Female Country makenziephippsmusic.com Song of the Year at the

Legends Corner: John Berry

and hit singles. Berry seamlessly delivers timeless standards “How Great Thou Art,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “I Surrender All” and several new songs, sharing the hope he has found personally with GRAMMY listeners everywhere. award-winning artist Find My Joy, was John Berry has been arranged and produced making his musical by multi-award winning footprint for decades producer, Steve Dorff. and shows no signs John shared with of slowing down. His accolades are extensive us that he enjoyed and it is not surprising collaborating with Dorff that this iconic artist is and being inventive still finding new ways and allowing him to put his music spin on these to share his sound. classic pieces of music. “I love the Aside from new opportunity I have had music John and his to create new music, wife Robin also have and it is awesome to look back and see that the podcast Faith, Family, & Friends. for 10, 20, 25 years I have had new music to They actually had one of the last interviews share.” said Berry. with Charlie Daniels His latest album is Find My Joy, features on the show prior to his his unmistakable voice passing. More information: that has garnered johnberry.com Platinum records

Dave Wilbert Shares His Appreciation for ‘90’s Country Along With His Latest Release “ It’s All Your” Dave Wilbert is a forward-facing traditionalist with a deep appreciation of the clever, relatable lyrics that defined ‘90s Country. “I love the groove and ingenuity of it,” Wilbert marveled. “That is a recurrent theme. Think of ‘Ocean Front Property’ by George Strait or Joe Diffie’s ‘Pickup Man.’ They are cleverly written, witty songs with a nod and a wink. They make you smile, but they are also great songs. I hope that is what we can deliver.” Wilbert assembled a creative team that contributed to the emergence of ‘90s Country and contemporary hits including Wilbert’s producer and the co-writer of Tim McGraw’s smash “Down On The Farm’’Kerry Kurt Phillips. Wilbert’s latest single, “It’s All Yours,” was composed by top tunesmiths Phil O’Donnell (Strait, Blake Shelton, and Craig Morgan), Noah Gordon, who co-produced several of Colt Ford’s records, and Kendell Marvell (Gary Allen, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, and Chris Stapleton). The song sets the right tone with an irresistible shuffle and a semi-autobiographical lament about the spoils of love and divorce.

“God’s Time,” when your personal time line doesn’t exactly gel with a bigger plan. A lifelong performer who opened for ‘90s Country mainstay Diffie and multiple Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney, Wilbert was a single dad with three young children to raise when he put his music career on pause. “It was life,” he recalled. “Life pushed me in a whole new direction and music was not the focus. I was 100 percent focused on the kids and survival. I wouldn’t trade that time with my kids for anything. I would have missed out on all those memories, and I’m OK with it.” An avid outdoors man who once contemplated a career as a game warden, Wilbert paid the bills with his blue-collar pursuits, selling Peterbilt trucks and veterinarian supplies. He coached his son and daughters’ sports teams and kept the guitar for back-porch picking. “I don’t care about fame,” he said candidly. “What I care about is my family and friends.” His sound is a fusion of the music he heard growing up in North Vernon, IN, a rural community featured in John Mellencamp’s “Small Town” music video. He was influenced by the records his schoolteacher parents played on the family’s stereo including The Statler Brothers, Alabama, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and folk mainstays Peter, Paul and Mary, and James Taylor, as well as the rock icons favored by his three brothers – Van Halen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and KISS. His pathways to performing are familiar tropes of church choir and school chorus wedged between football and track meets. He continued performing after high school while getting a bachelor’s degree in Communications at Ball State University before making his way to Nashville at the urging of Phillips, who discovered Wilbert at a national talent search.

“It’s All Yours” is a light-hearted take on a way too common scenario played out daily in the United States. It is a cautionary tale to be damn sure you know who you are about to marry before you go through with it.

“It’s easier now than it was before,” he admitted. “I’m not worried about record labels or saying the right thing all the time. There are so many ways to reach people that didn’t even exist before.”

“It doesn’t feel predictable, but it is still relatable,” said the Fernvale, TN resident. “In hindsight, I can certainly relate and so can a lot of other people – men and women.”

“My all-time favorite song is Hank William Jr’s ‘A Country Boy Can Survive’. I loved it because I lived it,” said Wilbert. “Music to me is sharing the stories of everyday life and everyday people. Good honest music; it’s not more complicated than that.”

Wilbert is drawn to good stories because he has lived so many. He has experienced his share of disappointment and comes out on the other side with a sense of humor and an appreciation for what he calls

For more information on Dave Wilbert via socials at Dave Wilbert Music.

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Allie Colleen: Made from Stones

Allie Colleen is no stranger to the music industry but she is paving her own way. “I saw a quote ‘build an empire out of the stones they’ve thrown at you’ and it started a fire in my stomach. My whole life, everything and anything I’ve ever accomplished was diminished because it was assumed everything was always handed to me. I work my ass off, I love what I do, and there is nothing anyone could ever say to make me question my purpose on this planet,” expressed Allie Colleen. “I used to fight really hard and activate for

myself, but I’ve learned bullies always have something to say and a keyboard to hide behind, so now I simply don’t give a ___!” Taking that quote, she ran with it and made it a song (“Stones”) and the title track for her debut album, Stones. The room never fails to silence as Allie Colleen begins to sing about the layers of love and heartbreak that have shaped her. Some of the songs on Stones bring witty lyrics and a connection to the song unlike most today. A noticeable trait in Allie Colleen’s conversation is that she frequently uses the word “we” instead of “I” when she talks about anything career-related, always making sure other people are given recognition for her successes. For more info alliecolleenmusic.com

New Faces Alert: Clay Aery

Deborah, The Art of Dreaming

the artist he is today. After an injury that led to the end of his athletic career in college, he began to invest his heart into being a country music artist. Clay was influenced by a wide variety of artists, from Strait and Nashville recording Jackson to Whitley and artist, Clay Aery, Haggard; his music recently released portrays that greatly. his newest single Aery’s love for music “Colorblind.” and people shines The meaning behind throughout the new “Colorblind” is what single. makes the song so “When someone heartfelt. The song tells me that they teaches us the love have enjoyed my we should give to one performance, that gives another, especially in me a great feeling today’s times. “God is inside that they enjoyed love and that’s what it. I hope my lyrics can this world needs...”, bring a smile to their “that everyone starts face after a long day,” living Colorblind.” says Clay Aery. He is Clay Aery performs hopeful for the future “Colorblind” with of the song; it is a song award-winning that can help shape the songwriter and country positivity that should be artist, Tony Stampley. spread today. From such a young For more information: age, Aery’s love for clayaerymusic.com music would make him

to her name, she is now releasing another one -- and this is the first in a decade. Her latest album, Deborah, The Art of Dreaming was released earlier this year and what a comeGrammy-nominated back project it is. artist, Deborah Allen, Deborah gives nods is an artist that spans to her hometown of the decades. With Memphis on the latest over 2,000 published album with “Memphis compositions, Rendezvous.” It is Deborah’s songs have also fitting since they been recorded by deemed October 15 as notable artists such as “Deborah Allen Day” Tanya Tucker, LeAnn - this was the day in Rimes, Brooks & 2019 that she was Dunn, Patty Loveless, honored for her music Loretta Lynn, John contributions there. Conlee, Janie Fricke, A personal favorite Joe Nichols, Diana of ours from the new Ross, Sheena Easton, album is “Patsy Cline Fleetwood Mac and Crazy.” We don’t want several more to give it away if you She is also the only haven’t heard it yet, female country artist but let’s see if you can to have written and catch all the song titles produced a song with in the lyrics that make the artist formally this song so fun and known as Prince. clever. For more info: With 14 albums deborahallen.com

New Music from Alannah McCready Donovan Chapman, Every Day is a Gift

Nashville-based, singersongwriter Alannah McCready has been releasing music in anticipation of her EP that is due out this year. Her most recent single is a duet with Will Glittens “Can I Call” and tells the story of long distance relationship and describes the multitude of feelings in such a situation, including being in love, experiencing loneliness, and having hope for the future. Gittens, is also one of McCready’s co-writers on the track, along with Sterling “David” Gittens Jr. who also

served as the producer of the track. “Can I Call” highlights McCready’s angelic, poignant vocals as well as the rich harmonies between McCready and Gittens. Alannah describes the song, “The track describes the feeling of not knowing the next time you will see your loved one and how difficult that separation can be. The song also explores the idea that even when your significant other is far away, if you know that you can call them at any time, day or night, that will bring you comfort, and you will be able to get through more than you think. I think this message will hit home with a lot of couples who might be far away from each other these days.” For more info: alannahmccready.com

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true purpose for me to be fulfilled within my life, was the bottom line. I had to accept that it is okay to feel the way I did and to grow as a student for life. I now know what our men and women go through in their darkest Donovan’s talent and times, and I am proud love for helping other of every step I took veterans is seen in his that led me to the truth music. in life, which I call the He is a 100% “Secret.” disabled US Air Force I realize that it is Special Operations hard to let go of the Air Force Pararescue past which attaches us Combat Veteran and to the preying victim the founder of Special mentality and ask God Operations Veterans to take full control Class of Freedom Sings of our lives. I finally USA based out of realized it had to be Chattanooga, Tenn. God’s way and not my His latest project is way through life. Brotherhood. I wrote two songs Chapman said “I on my new album learned about my path Brotherhood, titled in life through the “Two Veterans” and struggle and surrender “Revelation Change” that gave me the while in rehab, and I strength I never had now dedicate my life before. To surrender to helping veterans find to God and ask for his the peace within their

lives that they deserve for their duty to our country and mankind, and service before self. I’m on a new mission, a mission that was designed by God long ago, and that is to understand compassion at a new level, and help others. God allowed these past things within my life to happen with his hands protecting me all along. He needed me to see the truth in life and to realize why we are truly here. I know their struggle and pain, and everyone’s pain is just as real as another. We’re a band of brothers and sisters, a sacred circle who chose to walk the path that not many will. I dedicate my life to them, as the Pararescue brothers did to me.” Another release on the project is “Highway Patrolman,” a law

enforcement song featuring the Texas Highway Patrol. Fifty percent of paid royalties from the single are being donated to a THP Officer who has a son who has cerebral palsy” and needs financial support to purchase a vehicle to transport his son in. The song lyrics were inspired from the continuous dedicated work that the THP provides for the state of Texas along with the deployments to the border to support Border Patrol with the border crisis. Donovan feels law enforcement nationwide needs our love and support for their relentless work effort to keep our country safe amongst the “defund police” movements across our nation. For more info visit donovanchapman.com

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Dallas Remington: No Nonsense early age, around nine years old, however she regularly plays a variety of instruments with guitar and bass as her primary focus. “Singing will always be a part of me. Whether I’m singing at church, on the street, on a flatbed Dallas Remington is a trailer, or somewhere in no-nonsense country Nashville, I love every recording artist and minute.” songwriter who knows Her two latest singles who she is and what she are “Dirty Roses” and wants. “The Way I Talk.” The Kentucky-born, Both songs speak started performing in to the kind of person Nashville at age 11 and Dallas is and her moved to Nashville at straightforward, the age of 15, thrives unapologetic soul. with a passion for life, “Dirty Roses” theme her music and her faith. speaks to an apology Dallas’ vocal talents from someone you have are marked by her loved in your life that striking lyrics and isn’t worth forgiving. textured phrasing; her While “The Way I fiery verve and vigor Talk” is exactly how comes to life in every it sounds with the idea performance, intimate being proud of yourself or live. and your roots. Don’t Her passion for change. playing the guitar and For more information performing began at an dallasremington.com

Exile: America’s Longest Running Band

Exile formed in 1963 looking to play small clubs in Richmond, Kentucky, but managed to top both the pop and country charts during their 58 yearlong career. Their most successful hit, “Kiss You All Over” spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart in 1978. In the early 1980s Exile started to focus on country music. During their run on the country charts Exile has successfully had ten No. 1 singles, including “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory” and “Give Me One More Chance.” The hit song “Kiss You

All Over” was used in the 1996 Adam Sandler movie “Happy Gilmore” and in the 2006 film “Employee of the Month.” They have toured with acts including Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers and The Judds. The 5 original Exile members re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour today. Current members of the band include J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Steve Goetzman. 2022 celebrates 59 years for the band and the 44th anniversary of the hit song “Kiss You All Over.” It also brings the signing of new label Clearwater and work on a new project all while still on the road touring! For more information visit, exile.biz

JD Shelburne, Straight from Kentucky

JD Shelburne continues to leave his mark on the music industry with his latest album, Staight from Kentucky. What a fitting title for this Kentucky artist who was also named the 2021 Best Kentucky Musician/Band Award by Kentucky Living Magazine. The most recent single garnering attention is “Fine By Me” which has an accompanying music video. “When I first heard ‘Fine By Me’ I knew it was written for my voice,” shares

Shelburne. “I am living this song and it is one so many can relate to. The melody and lyrics are right in my wheelhouse, and I was honestly shocked it had not been recorded. ‘Fine By Me’ was one of the first songs I tested online during the pandemic and fans went crazy over it, plus my wife absolutely loved it. I knew it was a special song from the moment we recorded it in the studio. I am excited for the fans to see the new video!” Whether they’re spending the night on the couch or getting dressed up for an evening out, Shelburne proves that beside every great man stands an equally amazing woman. For more information jdshelburne.com

Ben Gallaher is a Country Boy

a strong reverence for guitar masters, Ben’s songs are autobiographical anthems of growing up in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania that radiate a passion for the lyric-driven country music that influenced him. Gallaher has already Ben Gallaher is signed earned a fast-growing to Stone Country fan base due to his Records, the newly commanding guitar formed sister label to prowess and energetic Quartz Hill Records.. live shows while Gallaher’s latest opening for the likes of single, “Country, Boy” Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank is a rocking guitarWilliams Jr., Blake Shelton, 3 Doors Down scorcher, celebrating handshake deals and the and Lee Brice. Gallaher is currently do right mind-set that is the core of the country in the studio recording his debut Quartz Hill lifestyle. “Country, Records album with Boy” was written by acclaimed music Gallaher alongside producers Mickey Jack fellow artists Carlton Cones (Jason Aldean, Anderson and Jacob Thomas Rhett) and Powell. Derek George (Randy A triple threat singer, Houser, Joe Nichols). songwriter and selfStay up to date at taught musician with bengallaher.com

Shane Owens is the Music Man playing with his band at local honky-tonks to fast-paced life on the road, highlighting exactly what it means to be the true “music man” Owens was born to be. Known for being Country music singer/ one of the few country artists who songwriter Shane delivers modernOwens’ recently day sounds while released single, honoring traditional “Music Man,” country roots, Owens continues to stand continues to pay out as it has now broken the top 40 spot homage to his heroes and stays true to his on the Music Row own style. From CountryBreakout Radio Chart reaching playing the worldfamous Grand Ole #34. Opry with his debut in Co-written by Galen Griffin, Monte 2017 and appearing in many CMA festivals Holmes, and Wil throughout his career, Jones, and produced by Ace Lutz, “Music “Music Man” is another reason that Man” gives listeners proves Owens can’t that classic yet contemporary country stray from sharing his talent with the world! feel through Owen’s For more information signature bold vocals follow on socials at and upbeat energy. @shaneowenscountry The tune describes

Whiskey on the Rocks

record their single Biggest Mistake I Never Made. When enlisting the help of Jonathan Lebo to lay the bass track the trio quickly found out that Lebo’s brother Zack Lebo was in fact a drummer. This When all the pieces chain of events was the came together with beginning of WOTR such ease. Five and Biggest Mistake I guys from Central Never Made went on to Pennsylvania just be the bands first single knew they were onto which was released in something. With all 2019. Since then the five having musical band has gone on to influences such as release several more rock, hard rock, singles “Live It Up” modern country, (2020), “Blame It On traditional country, The Whiskey” (2020), southern rock and “Hell Yeah (2021) and bluegrass they knew have their latest single they had something “Captain America.” special. Whiskey On “Captain America” The Rocks was formed holds a special place in in 2018 when three our hearts because we members Ryan Alan, all personally know a Corey McCartney Captain America! and Cody Ross Smith Stay up to date at then an acoustic trio whiskeyontherockspa. went into the studio to com

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Kyle English on the Highway

Tori Martin is Lucky

Manny Blu Launches Fashion Contest

“HIghway Song.” “I’m beyond excited to announce my new single to country radio! “Highway Song” is about moving on and finding oneself, but also getting back to what makes us who we are,” said Kyle “The lyrics were written on Since setting out as a the highway somewhere singer and songwriter, between Nashville and Kyle English has been Cincinnati. Check it able to hone his craft; out on your favorite ﬁnding a voice and platform by clicking style that, upon hearing below. I hope you enjoy it, is easily identified it!” as his own. He is In the era of chasing constantly performing the next viral trend, and writing. His Kyle believes in songs are described as remaining true to heartfelt and catchy. himself and his music. For Kyle, the songs Kyle is currently in come first regardless the studio working with of current trends. His producer Elton Clifton sound is reminiscent of on new material for the next age of classic release. rock; music that is For more information guitar-driven and lyric- on Kyle visi: based. kyleenglishmusic.com Kyle’s latest single is

that she found in Texas that propelled her move to Nashville – and in 2017, she took a leap of faith without knowing a single soul. Armed with the positive outlook and life motto of “just show up,” she Tori Martin first put herself out there and found her voice at quickly begin hanging a local church, but in circles with some the now seasoned of Nashville’s most performer had the awarded songwriters. opportunity to hone It was a chance her skills as a teenager meeting at a mixer that around the Texas Opry led to working with house circuit. Tori producer, Bill Warner. fondly recalls that Together with her label, experience: LuckySky Music, they “They’re a dying are carving a path that breed now, but the Opry is uniquely her own. houses had some of the The multifaceted sides best musicians there of her artistry are most were to offer. They clearly displayed on her were slick and helped latest project, Lucky. me get used to playing Lucky portrays Tori’s with a great band at sharp sophistication a young age. I sang yet humble nature, country standards and while being equal parts it really made me fall exciting and relatable. in love with the genre More information at more at that age.” thetorimartin.com It was the success

24, the tour will see Blu ignite stages in 24 markets across Canada throughout May and June with performances of his recent hit tracks, “Doin’ Fine,” “Train,” “95,” and his most recent Canadian country radio hit, With over 1M streams and listeners “Valet,” feat. Brittany Kennell. in 128 countries, Wanting to share Nashville-based artist his signature style Manny Blu started with his Blu Cru, he to establish himself has partnered with as more of a global Nashville fashion artist throughout the designer, Mike Ryan, past two years. In to launch a fan contest 2021, he released to win a one-of-atwo EPs, Country Punk EP and DEViL, kind leather jacket. Fans can enter to which featured hit win. For details on songwriters Michael how to enter, fans are Hardy, Ryan Hurd, Craig Wiseman, Ryan encouraged to text Blu at 615-219-2867. Beaver, and more. The winner will be This May, Blu announced on May will hit the road 13, ensuring that the with multi-awardwinning artist Dallas winning fan will have the jacket in time to Smith on his Some Things Never Change attend any upcoming tour date in countryTour. Kicking off in Brandon, MB on May punk style.

Brian Callihan, Writer on the Rise

Paulina Jayne is Miss Amazing

Noah Guthrie Releases Blue Wall

Brian Callihan most definitely knows his way around a song having had multiple publishing deals and songs recorded by an impressive list of his peers. Callihan has performed at the coveted Key West Songwriters Festival and at CMA Music Fest. His self-titled debut album shows his talents in spectacular fashion. Every song was cowritten with a #1 hit songwriter including Cole Swindell, Adam Sanders, Jesse Rice and Wynn Varble. On his opener to what will no doubt be a very long season of notable

future album releases, Brian Callihan proves he can do it all. His well-known bare-knuckled spirit is, for a time, tamed in this vulnerable and honest narration that rides the line perfectly between pop country and that classic country sound. “‘Broke it Down’ is a song I think will connect with a lot of people, said Brian. “Everyone has gone through a break-up or has felt pretty broken down at one time or another in their life.” His latest release, “Prettiest Girl,” is the first song Brian has cut that he did not write. The song was written by Adam Sanders, Cole Taylor and Corey Crowder. Not only does he have a great voice, but he has an ear for good music and knew this song was worth recording. More information at briancallihan.com

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Paulina Jayne’s music is a melting pot of country, rock, pop and folk influences under one genre she calls, “urban country.” An energyinfectious, momentmaking, candid and roller coaster performer, Paulina has opened for heavy-hitters like Sheryl Crow, Sam Hunt and Rascal Flatts and has shared Live Nation festival marquees all over the country with Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan. She has written with several #1 writers, including JT Harding, Shane McAnally, Bonnie Baker, Danny Orton and the list goes

on. Her infectious “big hair, don’t care - loving life” attitude has also led her featured in a nationwide commercial broadcasting to over 100 million homes for Folgers Coffee on ION Television Network. In response to the industry buzz about Paulina, Ford Motor Company became one of her official sponsors. She now represents the Ford Driving Skills for Life nonprofit organization. A believer in philanthropy, Paulina also supports the national nonprofitorganization, Miss Amazing, as a celebrity ambassador to help further empower girls and women with disabilities. Her latest release was a short film surrounding the story of her song “First and Fallin.” More info at paulinajayne.com

them of that as well. I have lived with the songs on this record for a long time, and it feels great to finally release them all into the world.” The South Carolina native has earned a reputation for honest Noah Guthrie released and authentic music his latest album, Blue representing his life. Wall. The songs were Guthrie first garnered written or co-written attention online by by Noah and finds him covering chart-topping lyrically turning his hits and transitioned into musings on family into the spotlight with his vulnerable songs that pivotal role of Roderick resonate with fans and Meeks on the hit TV critics alike. show Glee. He later Excited about the became a semi-finalist release, Guthrie on America’s Got Talent emphasizes, “If I’ve in 2018. learned anything in the He has performed past two years, it’s that over 200 shows and I should never take the has opened for artists, love I have in my life including Ed Sheeran, for granted. Listening Willie Nelson, Delta to this album makes me Rae, Ben Rector, Corey feel more connected to Smith, Sister Hazel, my home and those I Matt Nathanson, Dwight love. I hope that when Yoakam. others listen to ‘Blue More information at Wall,’ it will remind noahguthrie.com

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Molly Lovette, Country Sweetheart Opportunity Knocks for Madison Station Emily Blackbird, Ordinary Dream Girl

Honest heartfelt lyrics and an unyielding passion to create real music makes up the vibrant country artist that is Molly Lovette. This St. Louis native has combined her childhood love of country music with her talent for writing relatable lyrics to create a mature and refreshing sound within the country genre. After wrapping up a very successful 2021 by being honored and recognized from the State of Missouri, on behalf of Governor Michael L. Parson, breakout country sweetheart Molly Lovette is ready to share her bittersweet story of

letting go and moving on in her new single, “Seasons.” Molly explores an all-too relatable theme in Seasons. It’s about having to let go of the past, no matter how sweet the memories can be. The only way to move on is to free yourself of the idea of what could have been. “I wrote this song by myself about a year ago. It’s about a relationship with someone that you watch change…almost like the seasons,” says Molly. From the uncertainty, it sparked a beautiful and bittersweet song that dives into those feelings head first. Molly has over three quarters of a million combined streams just on Spotify. Molly has combined her childhood love of country music with her talent for writing relatable lyrics to create a mature and refreshing sound within the country genre. More information at mollylovette.com

Riley Weston and Pete Sallis. It was coproduced by both Anderson and Dan Frizzell. “When you are so in love, you want that person to be a part of your life in every way possible and this song describes that “When opportunity feeling,” says member knocks…kick open Anderson. “I heard the the door and grab it by demo several years ago the throat.” The duo is with just vocals and doing just that. piano and had always Hot new country planned to cut it. It’s duo Madison Station just a great song that (Craig Anderson and we fully believe in and Lance Horton) have we hope to convey that released an emotionally emotion clearly through captivating new single, the lyrics.” “Shoes Under My Bed.” With their This tune follows the contemporary country success of their first sound that blends the release, “Life Leaving 90’s throwback twist, Its Mark,” which gave their fine-tuned lyrics, country radio a good compelling vocals introduction for this and harmonies that new duo and what’s to complement one another come. and their effective “Shoes Under My energy make up what a Bed” was co-written true duo is all about. by number one hit More information at writer Wil Nance as madisonstationband.com well as actress/writer

Andrea Vasquez, Latin Country Songstress Tommy Townsend, Southern Man own songs. After finishing school, Andrea packed up for Nashville to realize her dream of a career in country music. With a growing name in Music City, Andrea has played Powerhouse vocals and notable venues and unstoppable attitude shows in Nashville combine in the petite including Whiskey Jam, package that is Andrea The Listening Room, Vasquez. She has etc. With her undeniable blended her love of stage presence and songs modern country and that match mainstream Latin-American roots major quality, Andrea to create a refreshing is quickly establishing sound within the genre. herself within country Inspired by the likes music as one to watch. of Carrie Underwood, Her latest release, Shania Twain, and The “Made Me Cry” takes Chicks, Andrea has the narrative of being in been crafting her unique a toxic relationship and sound since she was shows that with those little. situations can come Born into an strength and tenacity. extremely musical The song was cowritten family, she started by Cowritten by Andrea, playing violin, piano David Espinoza and and guitar at a young Nina Soro. age which inspired her More information at to also begin writing her andreavasquezofficial.com

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Hell’s Angels security guards to meet Waylon. Waylon quickly became a pivotal force in Tommy’s life, taking him under his wing, recording in the studio, and occasionally, out for appearances on the road. Georgia native and Tommy and Waylon Country singerspent time talking about songwriter Tommy lessons learned from life Townsend is releasing and conveyed through Southern Man, a 10songs. Tommy sang lead song collection that for Waymore’s Outlaws was originally recorded for 10 years after with producers Waylon Waylon’s death. Jennings and Jerry “I’m super excited “Jigger” Bridges over 20 that this album that years ago. was produced by my BFD/Audium mentors, Waylon Nashville flipped over Jennings and Jerry the music and story, Bridges, is finally signed Tommy, and the coming out for everyone first single from those to hear after all these sessions, “Southern years,” said Townsend. Man” came out on in “Getting to talk about February 2022. these songs again after Tommy first met this long has brought Waylon as a teenager. back so many great His parents took him to memories of being in a Waylon concert and the studio with these two talked their way past the legends. I’m thankful to

“I wanted to tell my story in the most authentic and honest way I could. It didn’t feel real, being in Nashville, and getting the chance to work with a team. It really was a dream come true,” says Emily. “To Edgy rising artist make myself believe Emily Blackbird is it, I really needed to making her mark write a song about it. in Nashville and Ordinary Dream Girl spreading her wings with her debut single, is a song for everyone to remember that “Ordinary Dream opportunities don’t Girl.” always come when Emily’s timeless you’re comfortable, and mature sound but you have to seize combined with her the day and rise to the alluring rock-n-roll occasion.” nature and sultry Emily is following swampy vocals makes her heart and hopes for an inimitable that her story will musical experience. Taking meaningful life resonate with all of those eager to get out lessons and stories, of their comfort zones and turning them into songs, “Ordinary and be everything they’ve always hoped Dream Girl” bares her personal struggles to be. More information at when it comes to being emilyblackbird.com an up-and-coming artist. get to share this with all the fans, and especially Jerry ‘Jigger’ Bridges, who is still in my corner cheering me on. Special thanks to Chuck Rhodes and all the staff at BFD/ Audium Nashville for bringing this album to the forefront. Y’all Rock!” Recorded over several years, Country Music Hall of Famer Jennings and his longtime bass player/ tour manager Bridges gathered songs from Nashville’s top writers – including some in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame like Dean Dillon, Roger Murrah, Don Schlitz, Troy Seals, and Waylon himself. Many of the top-drawer songs were originally pitched to Waylon, who felt they would be a better fit for Townsend. Waylon’s signature guitar sound and distinctive voice can be heard on many of

the tracks, and the studio was often filled with star power as well. Marty Stuart played mandolin, Jeff Hale and Rick Lonow played drums, and Bridges played bass on all of the tracks. Fred Newell and the legendary Ralph Mooney play steel guitar, and Newell also contributed dobro, harmonica and guitar to several tracks. Long time Waylors Barny and Carter Robertson can be heard on keys and background vocals, respectively. “I’ve never even had the thought of quitting because music is so much a part of who I am,” says Townsend, who has also become a successful entrepreneur over the years. “I just feel fortunate to be able to share this music and honor Waylon’s legacy . . .and there’s a lot more to come!” More information at

tommytownsendmusic.com

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Cali Tucker, The Next Crossover Queen

of women empowerment in the industry.

Williams Honor, New Album and The Willi Ho Show

“We truly feel we have made a record that may be our very best work to date,” said Williams Honor. “Our new album is full of songs about empowerment, songs and messages we hope will add to the soundtrack of your lives, not only to celebrate, but also to lean on in your darkest times, especially after grief, separation, loss & heartache.”

In 2014, Cali was chosen to participate on season 6 of NBC’s “The Voice”, Team Blake. The opportunity skyrocketed her career, which led her to headlining at some of the most prestigious venues in Las Vegas, NV. Born into Country Music Royalty, Cali Tucker carries on her iconic last name with a style uniquely her own.

In 2017, she released a cover song album titled “Cover Girl”, followed by her Christmas album, “Cali’s Christmas.”

Cali is the daughter of legendary country music singer LaCosta Tucker and the niece of Tanya Tucker. Influenced by strong, successful women, Cali took the reins designing her own brand of country music.

Currently, Cali is wrapping up her residency in Vegas, and is planning to return to her roots in Nashville as she gears up for her original EP release, produced by multi-platinum, Grammy nominated, producer, Gharah “PK” Degeddingseze, in 2022.

Raised in Nashville, TN, her early years were spent touring with her family, which motivated her to explore her passion for songwriting and performing. At 15 years old, she was crowned Miss Teen All American 2000, then went on to receive her first contract singing and acting at Dollywood’s Theaters in Pigeon Forge, TN. At 18, Cali made her debut appearance singing on the Grand Ole Opry, followed by a tour with her Aunt Tanya singing lead and background vocals, spanning the U.S. and Canada.

Her debut single “Dandelion” is available now. Cali’s powerhouse vocals and country pop sound shine through on “Dandelion.” “I’m sure you all know of a ‘danelion’ in your life,” she says. “I hope you love this song as much as I do and that it empowers you to protect your energy from damn dandelions.” Although her roots stem from country music, her passion and vocal abilities encompass all genres, including pop, rock, jazz, R&B, standards and more.

Cali has been closely compared to the vocal stylings of Adele, Stevie Nicks, Patsy Cline, and Shania Twain. She has been dubbed by PK as “The Next Cali is an independent artist and Crossover Queen.” does all the legwork herself. For a woman in this industry More information at even with the changing times calitucker.com this is still a feat, but she takes it in strides and is an advocate Shortly thereafter, she signed her first publishing deal with Davis Music Group.

The Jersey Shore’s first ever country duo, Williams Honor, which consists of Reagan Richards and Gordon Brown, have had quite a rewarding start to their career separately and together as a duo. The have had a Music Row Country Breakout Top 30 single with “No Umbrella,” won Best Music Video for “Send It To Me” in the Asbury Park Music & Film Festival in 2018, and were chosen by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Bon Jovi to open for them at a sold-out monumental performance at Madison Square Garden.

The empowering new 14 song album, includes the new songs “Can’t Wait 2B Ashamed”, “Goodbye Tulsa”, “First Comes Love, Then Comes Damage”, and “STEP!”

Aside from working on the new album during the pandemic, Williams Honor set out to continue to entertain and help comfort fans and friends with music and humor. A homespun weekly show, titled “The Willi Ho Show” had no bells or whistles, no fancy camera angles, but had a constant falling banner, poorly made sock puppets that tugged at the heart strings of viewers, a little During the pandemic, WH went 5 lb. dog named Hughy, who back to the beach to work on always needed screen time, and their sophomore effort, chock- Gordon & Reagan sharing their full of their version of ‘country original music and stories, as by the sea’. Their unique take well as covering some of the on the format’s tradition, it’s greatest songs ever written. modern evolution, mixed with their Jersey roots creates a After 6 weeks, their little show sound that they are proud to call got the attention of tens of their own. thousands of viewers. Every week it would land in the Top “Our songwriting and natural 25 on POLLSTAR’s Livestream sense of what we know our Chart, sharing the chart with audience cares about is what artists like Carrie Underwood, fuels our creativity,” says Miley Cyrus, Lady A, Reba, Reagan Richards, “we hope to Little Big Town, Foo Fighters, help people find the important and Vince Gill. things they wish they could say for themselves or to others, and When things got a little bit serve it up on a Jersey Country safer, they traveled to Nashville platter, complete with a few to do four live-streams in one helpings of harmonies and week. All four shows charted in good ol’ fashioned roll up your the Top 20, the highest at #5. sleeves grit.” POLLSTAR ranked The Willi Ho Show as the #24 Top The album, eX will focus on International Livestream of themes of loss and grief, while 2020. hoping to empower fans at the same time. More information at williamshonor.com

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David Frizzell Celebrates 40th Anniversary of “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma” and Induction Into Texas Country Music Hall of Fame

David Frizzell lived all over Texas starting in Greenville Texas in the early ‘40s when his dad went to Europe in WW2. He had his first radio show at the age of 9 in Kermit, Texas, then on to Sulphur Springs where they lived when brother Lefty got Frizzell Continues to Celebrate his first number one hit (and younger brother Allen was born). 40th Anniversary of “ This He began touring with his legendary brother, Lefty Frizzell at coming August, CMA and ACM the age of 12 throughout the 1950s and 60s. After serving in award-winning and Grammythe Air Force, Frizzell signed with Columbia Records in 1970 nominated hit maker, David and charted his first Billboard single with “L.A. International Frizzell will have the prestigious Airport” and then a Top 40 with “I Just Can’t Help Believing.” honor of being inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall During the 1970s, Frizzell appeared regularly on Buck Owens’ of Fame. Frizzell received All American TV Show and began recording for Capitol the exciting news from Carrie Records. In 1981, he recorded his first number-one country hit, & Debbie Moore (Moore & “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” a duet with Shelly Moore/ Third Coast Talent) West. The song won the Country Music Association’s Song along with country artist and of the Year and Vocal Duet of the Year awards in 1981, was fellow Texan and Hall of Famer nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance Moe Bandy while performing on by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and was featured in Clint the 2022 Country Music Cruise. With this summer marking the Eastwood’s film ‘Any Which Way You Can.’ Frizzell and West 20th anniversary of holding the event, The 2022 Texas Country also won the Academy of Country Music award for Vocal Duo Music Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding contributors to the of the Year in 1981 and 1982. industry. In 1982, Frizzell released “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate “It was a wonderful feeling to be surprised with the Our Home,” which made its way to number one. announcement that I will be inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame this August,” shares Frizzell. “This is a In recent years, Frizzell created his label Nashville America wonderful honor and I am thankful to have been chosen this Records and has released several albums including Frizzell & year!” Friends: This Is Our Time which includes a bonus track, written in honor of Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard, and traditional music Frizzell recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of his chartin general. “Lefty, Merle & Me” features David with Marty topping tune, “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma.” As Haggard. part of the anniversary, Country Rebel lifestyle outlet premiered four special performance videos by Frizzell including the hit David Frizzell is a timeless and tireless entertainer who song, as well as “That’s The Way Love Goes,” “If You’ve Got continues to share his many gifts to the delight of fans old and The Money, I’ve Got The Time,” “Lefty, Merle, and Me,” new across the US and throughout the world. More information and “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino To Decorate Our Home.” The at DavidFrizzell.com. performances were videotaped at the Country Rebel ranch in Ashland City, Tennessee, showcasing Frizzell’s timeless talent.

Don McLean Brings American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour to Nashville Grammy-winning Songwriters Hall of Fame member Don McLean celebrates the 50th anniversary of his global hit “American Pie” reaching #1 on the Billboard chart, where it stayed for four weeks! To commemorate the anniversary, McLean has coined his international 50th Anniversary “American Pie” World Tour which makes a stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on May 12. “I was writing songs and started singing ‘A long, long time ago’ right through ‘til the day the music died… I can still remember how that music used to make me smile…’ on and on right that day - just that whole thing right into the tape recorder. And I said, ‘Man, what is that?? That is so neat.’ I realized I’d captured the thing about Buddy and his death that I’d been feeling all those years in that one piece of music. Then I waited about three months and I figured out what I was gonna do and just wrote the whole thing in about an hour…,” said McLean. More information on the tour and tickets at donmclean.com

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Tanya Tucker Celebrates 50 years of “Delta Dawn” at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium

Tanya’s successful career in Country music.

Tanya Tucker took the Country world by storm in April 1972 with the release of “Delta Dawn.” The song was co-written by Larry Collins and Alex Harvey, and it’s chart-topping success open the doors for

Fast forward 50 years, Tanya has had a career full of notoriety that includes multiple ACM, CMA, and Grammy Awards, and countless fans behind her. On April 10, Tanya took the stage at the historic Ryman Auditorium to celebrate the release of “Delta Dawn.” She was joined on stage by a star-studded guest list of performers. In a two-plus hour marathon show, she proved her honest, fun and unrepressed style of entertainment makes her timelessly essential to country music. She brought a handful of other powerful women of Americana and Country music to the stage with her including Jessi Colter, Brandi Carlile, LeAnn Rimes, Brenda Lee, and Jeannie Seely. “Country music, and its songs and songwriters, are a part of my DNA,” Tucker said before welcoming Brenda Lee onstage to sing her 1958 hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” Though it may

seem odd to be honoring winter holidays at the onset of spring, Lee was followed onstage by Tucker’s longtime friend and Grand Ole Opry favorite Jeannie Seely. Then, out walked the previously mentioned Rimes to duet with Tucker on her 1987 hit ballad “Love Me Like You Used To.” But it didn’t stop there as the list was not limited by gender or genre. She also brought revered blues singer Delbert McClinton and songwriter Sonny Throckmorton on stage with her, among others. Tanya kept the “Mother Church” audience on their feet with a series of mind-blowing performances. She shared the stage with Rimes for “Love Me Like You Used to” and performed “Tell Me About It” with McClinton. Before closing the show with a version of “Delta Dawn” accompanied by her seven-piece band (including her daughter Presley as a backing vocalist), the 25-person Nashville in Harmony Choir (notably, the chorus welcomes people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and their allies) and a dozen special guests, Tucker highlighted how the song came to be. Tanya is a timeless classic and the momentum continues with a new documentary, “The Return of Tanya Tucker.” It profiles the recording process with Brandi Carlile for the original female outlaw’s 2019 album, While I’m Livin’, which received two GRAMMY® Awards for Best Country Album: While I’m Livin’ and Best Country Song: “Bring My Flowers Now.”. Recently, Tanya released her 2022 Hard Luck Tour dates, with several shows on sale now. More at tanyatucker.com

Elvie Shane Wraps Tour w/ Sold-Out Nashville Show & Special Guests Wheelhouse Records singer/songwriter Elvie Shane wrapped his first-ever headlining run on Thursday (4/21) with a sold-out show at Nashville’s Basement East. Shane brought his MY KINDA TROUBLE TOUR with Frank Ray to a close, playing songs from his critically acclaimed debut album BACKSLIDER, as well as surprised the capacity crowd with guest appearances by Lainey Wilson who joined Shane for a rendition of her ACM Song of the Year winning “Things A Man Outta Know” and Tenille Townes as she and Shane sang their duet “Nothin’ Lasts Forever.”

Elvie Shane & Tenille Townes: Garrett Rizan

Shane’s new single “County Roads” was one of the Most Added songs at Country radio upon its debut and continues to climb. Co-written by Shane with Dan Couch and Oscar Charles, his second single is full of untamed energy, flying like an unguided missile of passion down “County Roads” and paints a picture of Shane’s early days in Grayson County, KY.

A native of small-town Kentucky, early touchstones like Dwight Yoakam, Steve Earle and John Fogerty joined Wheelhouse Records’ Elvie Shane’s Gospel roots to form the bedrock of his taste – along with R&B classics like The Temptations and modern superstars like Eminem. And after a fateful Baptist revival came through town, he joined a band as a front man full of wild-eyed charisma. Shane initially captured attention with a viral social media moment with “My Boy,” that has since become his signature smash and debut No. 1 single. Shane’s debut EP, County Roads was also released in 2021. His picture-based lyrics and knack for storytelling lead to his signing with UTA and he has since opened for Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Brothers Osborne Brett Young, Brooks & Dunn and Lady A, to name a few. For more information, visit elvieshane.com.

Elvie Shane & Lainey Wilson: Garrett Rizan

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Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton

Have Been Breaking Records and Doing big Things in 2022

Our cover story this edition features Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton as these two artists have had notable careers in music and this year has marked some big moments for both and still have more on the horizon. Aside from being big winners this awards season, we recently got to hear them perform together at the 2021 ACM Awards and here’s to hoping for a collab in the future - especially since they recently have a song they wrote and registered to BMI called “Somebody Winds Up Pregnant.” While both are promoting other projects at the moment, one can’t be hopeful to hearing this song in the not to distant future.

“Wandering Spirit.” Palomino is the latest installment in a storied career that has spanned seven consecutive No. 1 albums, ten No. 1 radio singles, over 70 prestigious awards and countless sales certifications, earning the reining ACM Entertainer of the Year praise as “the most riveting Country star of her generation.”

She is the most decorated artist in the history of the Academy of Country Music, Lambert has earned 37 ACM Awards (including the current ACM Entertainer of the Year title and a record-setting The Most Riveting Country Star of Her Generation ... nine consecutive Female Artist of the Year Awards), 14 CMA Awards, 12 CMT Awards (including the current win for Female The Vanner Records/ Video of the Year for “If I Was a Cowboy,” three GRAMMY RCA Nashville superstar Awards, the Nashville Symphony Harmony Award, ACM Gene is set to release her eighth Weed Milestone Award and ACM Song of the Decade Award, studio album, Palomino, plus was named 2019’s RIAA Artist of the Year. She is the April 29. youngest artist ever to serve as the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s Artist in Residence, joining a legendary list of Visiting 30+ locations predecessors including Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, Tom T. Hall, and countless characters Jerry Douglas and more. along the way, the expansive 15-song Following 2019’s critically acclaimed release of her seventh project takes listeners on consecutive No. 1 album, Wildcard, the Texas native ushered in her a freewheeling trek from next musical era with the recent release of current singles “If I Was the Mojave Desert to a Cowboy” and “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” with Elle Battambang, Cambodia King while also adding her voice to Netflix’s new season of Queer and everywhere in Eye with inclusive anthem “Y’all Means All.” between. Lambert serves as a co-writer on 14 She is currently on the road on The Bandwagon Tour with Little of the 15 songs, with Big Town and has a headlining Las Vegas residency set for this the only outside cut fall. “Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency” arriving via a rousing opens Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 for a run of 24 shows at Zappos cover of Mick Jagger’s Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

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In addition to Wildcard, the celebrated singer/songwriter’s lauded discography includes The Weight of These Wings (2016), Platinum (2014), Four The Record (2011), Revolution (2009), Crazy ExGirlfriend (2007) and Kerosene (2005). She has also released three albums with her trio, the Pistol Annies, as well as 2021’s GRAMMY-nominated The Marfa Tapes, a critically acclaimed, raw and intimate recording with collaborators Jack Ingram and Jon Randall. More information on upcoming dates and the new album at www.mirandalambert.com Miranda also has a namesake bar on Nashville’s Broadway. Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa made history by becoming the first female country star to have a bar and restaurant on Broadway’s Honky Tonk Highway in Nashville. The “Pink House” is the home to some of Miranda’s most recognizable and important memorabilia, including the birdcage from her #1 song and CMA Video of the Year “Bluebird,” unique clothing and set pieces from her most popular video shoots, a dazzling rhinestone saddle modeled after a favorite of hers from Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, a customized “Yellow Rose” wall for photos, and dozens of items that highlight milestones and special moments in the country superstar’s life. More information at www.casarosanashville.com. Her clothing and cowboy boot collection, Idyllwind, is a privatelabel brand sold at all Boot Barn stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.idyllwind.com. Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit has raised over $6 million since its inception in 2009. The Foundation’s mission is to promote the adoption of rescue pets, support animal shelters across the country, advance spay & neuter and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster. For more information, visit www.muttnation.com. The first-ever Artist-Songwriter of the Decade Kentucky-born Chris Stapleton is an 8x Grammy, 14x CMA, and 10x ACM Awardwinner and one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians. Following 2015’s quintuple platinum breakthrough solo debut album Traveller, Stapleton released two #1 albums in 2017. Both From A Room: Volume 1 (certified platinum) and From A Room: Volume 2 (certified gold) take their name from legendary RCA Studio A, where they were recorded with Dave Cobb. His latest album, Starting Over, recently won three awards at the 67th Annual GRAMMYs: Best Country Album (Starting Over), Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”) and Best Country Song (“Cold”). Released last fall on Mercury Records Nashville, Starting

Over is an album of startling prescience, featuring fourteen tracks that examine life’s simplest joys and most serious struggles. Starting Over found Stapleton back in his second home, Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A (with additional work done at Muscle Shoals Sound and Compass Sound Studio), surrounded by his trusted collaborators as well as some new faces. In addition to Cobb (acoustic guitar), the record features his beloved wife, Morgane Stapleton (vocals, tambourine), with J.T. Cure (bass) and Derek Mixon (drums). Special guests include legendary musicians Mike Campbell (electric guitar), Benmont Tench (Hammond B3 organ) and Paul Franklin (pedal steel) as well as the All Voices Choir who are featured on “Watch You Burn,” written by Stapleton and Campbell. He was also recently announced as the first-ever “ArtistSongwriter of the Decade” recipient by the Academy of Country Music. A prolific writer, Stapleton has co-penned huge songs with Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan and Justin Timberlake among his own works. The reigning ACM Male Vocalist of the Year’s latest single, “You Should Probably Leave” recently reached #1 on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts—his third #1 as an artist following 2021’s “Starting Over” and 2018’s “Broken Halos.” Stapleton also earned Best Country Tour at the 33rd Annual Pollstar Awards and was recently the subject of an indepth profile at CBS’ “60 Minutes.” Chris Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show” will continue throughout 2022 with newly added stops at L.A.’s The Forum, Detroit’s Comerica Park, DC’s Merriweather Post Pavilion, Long Island’s Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center and Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena among many others. Stapleton will be joined by several special guests throughout the run including (in alphabetical order) The Dirty Knobs with Mike Campbell, Sheryl Crow, Caylee Hammack, The Highwomen, Jamey Johnson, Elle King, Nikki Lane, The Marcus King Band, Kendell Marvel, Wille Nelson and Family, Margo Price, Mavis Staples, Dwight Yoakam and Yola. Chris Stapleton’s “A Concert for Kentucky” stadium show raised over $1 million dollars for the Outlaw State of Kind Hometown Fund. Held this past month, the sold-out event was the first concert ever held at the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field and featured performances by Stapleton along with Willie Nelson and Family, Sheryl Crow and Madeline Edwards. Of the evening, Stapleton shares, “Every night we walk on a stage, we do our best to help people forget their troubles or celebrate or remember or hope or heal. Every night we play, a portion of those profits always goes to charity. As a musician I can’t think of a greater honor than reaching a point where we can play a show for 40,000 people and give all of the profits back to a community that has been so unfailingly loyal and supportive. It is a tremendously pure and rewarding moment to get to provide the medicine that is music in that space. I’m grateful to everyone who came to the show and to all of the musicians, managers, agents and crew members that made this moment possible.” He is also slated to perform several festivals this year including Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Bourbon & Beyond, and Pilgrimage Music Festival. For more information visit www.chrisstapleton.com.

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The Music Biz Conference will be held in Nashville, Tenn May 9-12 at the JW Marriot. The four day event curated by the Music Business Association boasts industry-defining conversations and connections, including continued discussions of how to support those among us who are still struggling from the pandemic and address individual needs for professional & personal growth. The annual event’s schedule is slated for both face-to-face and virtual sessions that will introduce new career development tools and provide vital knowledge to inform business decisions. The keynote speaker for this year will be Sony Music Publishing Chairman & CEO, Jon Platt. The conversation will cover the music publishing space, and how Platt has influenced its evolution throughout his career. The keynote conversation for this year is “A Roadmap to Change” and will include discussions with Jonathan Azu ( CEO and Founder of Culture Collective and Diversity in Music), Ghazi (Founder & CEO of EMPIRE), Liliahn Majeed (SVP & Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer of Universal Music Group), Noelle Scaggs (Founder of Diversify The Stage and Co-Lead vocalist for Fitz and the Tantrums - Elektra Records), Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett, (Global Head of DEI at Warner Music Group), and Tiffany R. Warren (EVP & Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Sony Music Group). The conversation will take place on Monday, May 9.

Agent of Change Award — For a company that exemplifies a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in their hiring practices, executive development, and promotion structure. • • •

Made In Memphis Entertainment Recording Academy Spotify

#NEXTGEN_NOW One To Watch Award — For an executive under 40 whose work (professional and/or volunteer) has been exceptional, innovative, and stands out as a contribution to the industry. • • • • •

Shauna Alexander, SoundCloud Jenna Gaudio, Vydia Tiffany Kerns, Country Music Association Geoff Ogunlesi, 300 Entertainment Jennifer Turnbow, NSAI

Master of Metadata Award — For a company or executive who has made a significant impact in the area of data processing, credit clarification, streamlining or otherwise promoting clean data and best practices. • • • • •

Lindsay Conlin, Exactuals Britnee Foreman, Exceleration Music Jaxsta Music Reports SoundExchange

Frontline Innovator Award — For a retail store who showed exceptional inventiveness and ingenuity in their practices during the past year in their interactions with consumers.

The Music Biz Brunch will be hosted by CMA on Tuesday, May 10. The brunch will feature a conversation with and performance by mother-daughter singer-songwriter team, O.N.E the Duo. Tennessean Nashville Country Music Reporter, Marcus K. Dowling will moderate the conversation.

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O.N.E the Duo comprises Nashville-based mother Tekitha and daughter Prana Supreme, both with ties to Hip-Hop royalty — Prana’s father is RZA, the founder, producer & de-facto leader of Wu-Tang Clan, and Tekitha is known for her work as the group’s featured female vocalist. Despite this, the two have created their own, stripped-down musical style blending their Hip-Hop roots with the creative energy and storytellers of Nashville. As the duo moves forward, their goal is to tell their story through as many different mediums as possible — the written word, film, and of course, through music.

Marketing Superstar Award — For a marketing campaign that was innovative and thought provoking. Candidates can be from any sector of the industry, and campaigns can be physical or virtual.

This year, they have also reimagined their awards presentation to honor the B2B nature of the organization and its membership. The Bizzy Awards will be held Wednesday, May 11 and will be hosted by Country Artist, Jimmie Allen.

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“So many awards are about sales, which are great, but I wanted to create awards that recognize people in our industry for the work they do every day,” said Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “After the last couple of years we’ve all been through, we need to do all we can to shine a spotlight on the people and companies in our industry who are lifting up others, being creative, and showing leadership & character in their business practices as well as selling music.”

2022 Bizzy Award Finalists Include: Leading Light Award — For a company or executive that has supported their staff via internal initiatives aimed at improving mental health & wellbeing and work/life balance. • • •

Kevin Liles, 300 Entertainment Monstercat Warner Music Group

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Darkside Records (Poughkeepsie, NY) Music Millennium (Portland, OR) The Record Exchange (Boise, ID) Seasick Records (Birmingham, AL) The Sound Garden (Baltimore, MD; Syracuse, NY)

All Time Low “It Was Never A Phase” Campaign — Hopeless Records Cleopatrick’s Debut Album Campaign — Thirty Tigers/The Orchard Donny Osmond – “Puppy Love” 50 Year Anniversary Campaign — Crowd Surf Tenille Arts Marketing Campaign — EMPIRE WMX Black History Month Campaign

The 2022 Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement will be presented during the ceremony as well to Julie Swidler, Executive Vice President of Business Affairs and General Counsel for Sony Music Entertainment, in recognition of her accomplished industry leadership and many contributions to the success of the music business over the course of her career. During the Bizzy Awards dinner, The LSS Group of RBC Wealth Management will present two performances by the Song Suffragettes. This collective of female singer-songwriters is vocally combatting widespread discrimination against women in the music industry by giving female talent a place to play, grow and evolve with fellow creatives. In just over eight years, Song Suffragettes has showcased almost 350 talented women, performing every Monday night at The Listening Room Café in Nashville, TN. Twenty-five Song Suffragettes women have gone on to receive record deals and more than 50 have landed music publishing deals since the initiative’s inception. For more information: www.musicbiz.org

The 81st annual Iroquois Steeplechase races will be held Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Percy Warner Park. “It is exciting to bring Nashville’s rite of spring back to its traditional date in 2022,” said Dwight Hall, Chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee. “We are grateful to our community for supporting us the past two years and look forward to continuing our grand tradition of giving back to that same community.” The Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt will remain the primary beneficiary of the Iroquois Steeplechase. Throughout the past 39 years, the Iroquois Steeplechase has donated over $11 million to the hospital through the annual meet. The race meet also donates to other local charities including the Friends of Warner Parks. This year’s races boast several new elements including a new timber course that was donated by Leiper’s Fork Steeplechasers owners, Mark McMillan and Mark George, in honor of Brown McMillan. The new timber course will feature new posts that are safer for horses and riders. Fans come from all walks of life and the younger fan base is ever-growing. New this year will be the Royal 615 Lounge in Centerfield. “Last year we saw a tremendous boost in centerfield with a younger crowd for Iroquois Steeplechase. We are launching Royal 615 Lounge to host guests who will enjoy DJ entertainment, craft cocktails and a vibrant vibe to celebrate Nashville’s rite of spring,” said Dwight Hall, Chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee. “Iroquois Steeplechase welcomes a diverse audience and this taps into an elevated experience for those in the inside the race track.”

answers to all five questions in order to win the $100 free bet. To win the $100,000 Freeplay Pick 6 Challenge, players will predict the top finishers for each race during the day. Players that make every pick correctly will share a $100,000 cash prize. The Child Ambassador for this year’s races will be Mattie Ann Harwell. She represent patients in Middle Tennessee and beyond, conveying a message of triumph and positivity at this year’s race meet. In 2018, Mattie Ann was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, an immune system disease that causes stomach pain and difficulty swallowing. Her family turned to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. In 2021, Mattie Ann’s journey with Children’s Hospital continued when she suffered two broken growth plates in her right ankle, followed by another break a few months later. As a result of the repeated trauma, she developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and underwent months of therapy and medication. Thanks to Children’s Hospital, her CRPS is resolved. As an avid equestrian, Mattie Ann trains three days a week to work towards her dream of becoming an Olympic horseback rider. She also has a passion for music and had a lead role in her school’s musical. During the winter months, Mattie Ann can be found on the basketball court guarding and making shots for her team, the Lady Tigers. Her teachers and peers describe her as confident, compassionate, focused and highly motivated. Recently, Mattie Ann was suffering severe stomach pains and a decreased appetite. She was seen promptly by her Children’s Hospital gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with IBS-C. Now with new medication, she is doing well and even travelled with her horse to compete at the World Equestrian Center. She proudly took home sixth place out of a large pool of competitors from all over the United States and Canada.

The co-chairs for this year’s Iroquois Steeplechase are Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, and The Currey Family. The Iroquois Steeplechase is recognizing these Nashvillians for demonstrating the race meet’s dedication to tradition and philanthropy. Edwards, an internationallyrecognized expert in vaccinology, focuses on the evaluation of vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases in adults and children. The Currey family is known in the Nashville area for their philanthropic spirit, entrepreneurial drive and love for the equine industry. “This is the Super Bowl of steeplechasing. It is an honor to carry on the legacy of my aunt and father in growing and supporting this premier Nashville event,” said Christian Currey, Brownlee Currey’s son and Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee Member. “My father understood the value of the Iroquois Steeplechase and what it brought to the community. It is Nashville’s finest day. I encourage new Nashvillians to come and enjoy the tradition.” For a second year, Steeplechase has partnered with Action 24/7 to host the $100,000 Freeplay Pick 6 Challenge on race day. The Tennesseebased sports book has also launched the 2022 Iroquois Steeplechase Fun Game to give contestants a chance to win a $100 free bet. To win the 2022 Iroquois Steeplechase Fun Game, players must pick the correct

The Iroquois Steeplechase is an iconic sporting event that has been Nashville’s rite of spring since 1941. Held the second Saturday of each May at Percy Warner Park, the annual event attracts more than 25,000 spectators and is Music City’s celebration of time-honored traditions, Tennessee hospitality and southern fashions. The event also supports several philanthropic causes and has donated nearly $11 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt since 1981. To learn more about Steeplechase, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.

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Tennessee Renaissance Festival The 36th Annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival returns this May to Covington Glen in Arrington, Tenn. Travel back to 16th Century England where the Village of Covington Glen comes alive with the bustle of a Renaissance Marketplace. Artisans from all over the country display their wares from silks to swords; from gems to jewels. Flavors, aromas and tastes of specialty foods and drinks greet the festival-goer. Hear Renaissance musicians and merrymakers voices echo through the trees. The festival is held weekends in May and Memorial Day Monday from 10am to 6pm. The event has free parking and children under 5 are free. It is a cash only event once on-site (with the exclusion of some vendors), but you can purchase tickets online in advance. Festival admission also includes a visit to the Castle Gwynn gardens grounds. New this year is “Tea with the Queen.” Sit with the Queen and her court and share tea, pastries, tea sandwiches, and small deserts. Only a select few are invited to her Majesty’s private glen and garden, so make sure to RSVP in advance. This experience is perfect for all ages. The Queen’s Tea takes place all festival days from 3:30-4:30 in the Queen’s Tea Glen. Advance ticket sales are required for this event. The Queen’s Tea ticket cost is separate from the cost of admission into the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Only 35 tickets will be sold daily and can be purchased in advance online.

Theme Weekends May 7 - 8: Opening Weekend Hot n’ salty pretzels, right off the stick. Bring the family and celebrate the opening of the 36th year. May 14 - 15: Artisan and Crafts Weekend Travel through the marketplace for treasures and unique handcrafted items from around the globe. See demonstrations of talented artisans crafting their wares. Check out the Artisans & Activities page on their website for full list of all our artisan shops. Fairy House / Hobbit Habitat Contest Weekend To encourage creativity and the arts, a Fairy House / Hobbit Habitat Contest will be held on both days of the craft weekend. Winners will be determined each day (time and location TBA). All Fairy Houses and Hobbit Habitats must be constructed of natural materials and on a portable, sturdy base for table display and family-appropriate. Contest is open to two age groups: 4-14 years and 15 years and up. Rules and registration can be found on their website. May 21 - 22: Pirate Invasion Weekend Huzzah! The hills are swarming with rascals and rogues as a crew of scuvry pirates invade the shire of Covington Glen. See the swashbuckling and sword-brandishing of pirates galore. Young Rascals and Pirates aged 12 and under can participate in the Children’s Pirate Costume Contest on both days of Pirate Invasion Weekend and can register on their website. May 28 - 29 - 30: Celtic Weekend Add a little Celtic flair to the Faire. Enjoy the fun as they honor those early Britons - men, wear your kilts!

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Weekend Entertainment

The History of Castle Gwynn

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The vision began in 1970 in a high school architecture class, when a senior sketched his dream house. His plans were unlike many of the others: a Medieval Castell, complete with a Great Room and detailed with such flourishes as a hooded fireplace.

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Queen Elizabeth: Her Royal Highness Elizabeth Regina Gloriana will graces us with her annual Royal Visit to the shire. God Save The Queen! (Rated G.) The Royal Joust: The Free Lancers bring pure excitement and breathtaking action as armored Knights on horseback battle for supremacy on the Tournament Field. Three shows daily. (Rated G.) Knightwings Birds of Prey: Join Master Falconer Ash Cary for an amazing and educational birds of prey demonstration showcasing hawks, owls, and falcons. Hear about each species’ adaptations, their impact on the eco-system, and why we need to protect them, as well as a bit of the history of the sport of falconry and how we train our birds. (Rated G.) Paulo Garbanzo: Blending comedy and amazing juggling into a show of death-defying skill, Paolo’s supremacy over the laws of physics is not to be challenged! (Rated PG.) Oops! Comedy Knife Throwing Show: Paolo Garbonzo and Giacomo the Jester (of Empty Hats) join forces to hurl razor-sharp blades at each other, risking life and limb for the entertainment of their fans! (Rated PG.) Ik, the King of Trolls: Meet the King of the Trolls - talk with him, listen to his tales, and if you’re good he may even allow you to take a rare photo to prove that you have met with Royalty. (Rated G.) Faebles: See these magical winged creatures flit about the fairy garden and festival site. (Rated G.) Story time with Ik and the Faebles: Meet Ik, King of the Trolls, and the Faebles. Hear fairy tales told from the fairies’ point of view. Familiar and new tales told by Ik and performed by the Faebles. (Rated G.) Castle Visits: Castle visits (grounds and gardens) are available from 11am to 3pm each Festival Day (weather permitting). Axel the Sot: He’s back and better than ever! Straight from the Poop Deck, this seafaring minstrel is definitely Adult Comedy and NOT FOR CHILDREN. Bawdy songs, naughty jokes, toasts and stories to make you blush. Axel’s first 2 shows are PG; The last 2 shows are RATED R Da Vinci Brothers Comedy Opera : Bob DaVinci takes his audiences on a hilarious ride as they become players in his wacky view of art, history, inventions, culture, and opera parodies. (Rated PG.) Empty Hats: Unplugged...but Wired. This band of talented musicians comes to our village to amaze audiences with their high-energy Celtic music, both traditional and original. (Rated G.) Giacomo’s Ballads: Giacomo of Empty Hats takes the stage by himself, to sing songs of love and romance. (Rated G.) Buckle & Swash: Comedy sword-fighting show! Where Captain Red and his first mate spin tales of pirates and their misadventures on the high sea. Come join the crew and become a part of pirate history. ARRRRRR...! (Rated G.) Robin Hood: Join Robin Hood and Maid Marian for magical storytelling, featuring audience members in starring roles. Heroes, villains, cheering, screaming, and hilarity ensue! (Rated G.) Rafferty the Piper: The sound of the Highland Pipes will fill the air of Covington Glen as Rafferty performs his unique piping skills. (Rated G.) Isaac Fawlkes, Magical: Fawlkes’ blend of comedy and magic is perfect for the entire family. His first responsibility as an entertainer is to entertain the audience and make sure everybody has a good time. And when Isaac Fawlkes takes the stage, everybody does. (Rated G.) Queen’s Knighting Ceremony: This free activity is a chance for children of all ages to meet and be knighted Queen Elizabeth herself. (Rated G.) The Secret Commonwealth: Middle Tennessee’s popular Celtic band with original and traditional music and styles of American and European Folk music. (Rated G) Demetrius and Darren: Demetrius & Darren of Empty Hats put their own special spin on music to put a song in your heart. (Rated G.) Tea with Lady Ettie: Do not let her looks deceive you - Lady Ettie is the unquestioned expert in Renaissance fashion and etiquette - just ask her! Her shows will enlighten and amuse any audience. LAST TWO WEEKENDS ONLY. (Rated G.) Royal Improv Comedy: Buckle & Swash team up with colorful characters from around Covington Glen, to entertain you with interactive side-splitting improv comedy. One show daily. (Rated G.) The Bardbarians: A ragtag band of musical mercenaries that will make you laugh AND cry as they enthusiastically butcher the songs you know and love. (Rated G.) Festival of Song: Join Her Majesty and the entertainers of the Covington Glen as they celebrate the end of our festival visit with songs and laughter. (Rated G.)

For full daily schedule and more visit TNRENFEST.COM

Aware that he embarked on a long journey, and with the support of his parents, he began to seek a location for a dream house. In 1976, his inquiries led him to Triune where an older dreamer shared his vision. That’s when John Covington made it possible for Mike to purchase forty acres of land that included a “Castle hill approach.” Detailed inspirations came from Mike’s time in Wales when he visited Castell Coche (a.k.a Red Castell) which became his prototype. Many fortifications like this were whitewashed in the Middle Ages to appear as one piece of stone and to prevent invasions in the dark of night - think of the Tower of London which is also known as the “White Tower - so he chose to make Castell Gwynn the White Castle. Craftmen, Kenneth Canaday and Master Mason, along with Mike found the perfect combination of expertise and imagination and brought the vision to reality. With his inspirations, the first tower was begun in 1980, with the second tower following in 1985. The crowning glory of the living quarters is the first floor kitchen, which required two years of weekends to mold the 14,000 bricks into sixty brick arches. Tile maker, David Wright, highlighted the feat with his reproduction of the Castell Gwynn coat of arms, in hand-made tiles. Guided by deft hands of electrician, Fran Paris, special care was taken to conceal modern conveniences within this period structure while keeping it as historically accurate as possible. One of the focal points of Castell Gwynn is the Great Room on the second floor, a magnificent room for entertaining and festivity. Under a 28’ vaulted ceiling, a balcony with a minstrel gallery leads into the area. The showcase of the second tower is the great hooded fireplace, drafted by Freeman and Canaday, aided by the computer engineering of Cumberland Stoneworks. First sketched in 1970, it is now an architect’s study in cut Indiana limestone. With love and satisfaction, Mike fished the fireplace with Castell Gwynn coat of arms, which he personally designed. In 1988, Mike married Jackie Harmon, and thus the first wedding at Castell Gwynn. Recently, she retired after +30 years of educating high school students, Jackie enjoys travel, gardening and coordinating Festival responsibilities. In 2004, a copper-cover timber frame roof was constructed for the first tower, while construction for the second tower and roof sections was underway. The frame was constructed by Spencer Turrentine and Brian Stevens. The copper-cover was fashioned by the exclusive coppersmith Leroy Shumake. The second tower roof was lifted in 2007 and put in place by one of the largest cranes in Nashville. Connecting the two towers is brick and stone section constructed by The Canady Family. Repairs and resurfacing were needed after damage caused by I-840 construction. Spanning six months, Stover and Sons carefully resurfaced the entire castle exterior with breathtaking results. Worked in metal by Joe Brown, with leaded glass by Jim Hackett, new doors and windows were added to highlight and complete the bright exterior of Castell Gwynn. Because of the I-840 construction, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival was forced in 1997 to relocate to an adjoining site across New Castle Road. A timber-framed covered bridge greets festival- goers, inviting them to the new hillside festival grounds. The showcase of new Covington Glen is a hammer beam structure, following a roof style typical of great medieval halls throughout Britain and Europe. Tennessee Renaissance Festival is the only festival that is held at a Castell residence.

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The touring exhibition has sold over 4.8 million tickets across North America, securing its place as one of the most sought-after attractions on the continent. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and immersive storytelling, Immersive Van Gogh is an enchanting immersive experience. Patrons that may not want to watch the full exhibit but would still like to experience Van Gogh have the option to come to Lighthouse ArtSpace and take advantage another exhibit in the lobby of the main space that will include several Van Gogh experiences including the Pocket Gallery, Letters from Vincent, The Sunflower Wall and the Gogh Sculpture. The Pocket Gallery will allow visitors to down an app and aim it at what looks like a dab of paint in a frame. The will transform before their eyes and they will see a 3D version of a Van Gogh painting. As you look at the Immersive Van Gogh is a visually spectacular digital art exhibition that image through your phone, it feels like you stepped inside places like Van has received widespread critical acclaim throughout North America. Gogh’s bedroom, the cafe he often frequented, or the ability to gaze up at Immersive Van Gogh invites audiences to “step inside” the iconic works of a Starry Night. post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh, evoking his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music, movement and Letters from Vincent allows guests to personally interact with Vincent imagination. The Italian creative team have custom designed their vision Van Gogh. In addition to being an avid painter, Van Gogh wrote almost to fit the unique architecture of each Immersive Van Gogh venue. 1000 letters to his brother Theo. These letters have been culled through and curated so that you can actually write him a letter and he will respond. The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibition comes to Nashville’s Lighthouse The letter, of course, is based on his writing and uses his words, but it is ArtSpace is open and runs through June 19, 2022. presented to you in his own handwriting based off of these curated letters. We still think this is the coolest part! “Nashville patrons have been patient and we appreciate their understanding, but the pandemic has made our construction progress more The Sunflower Wall is a beautiful backdrop created from on of Van Gogh’s difficult than expected,” said Corey Ross, producer of Immersive Van favorite subjects and features an oversized version of his signature. Gogh. “Moreover, we have a history of operating venues safely during the pandemic, and have always put health and safety first. We will not The Gogh Sculpture open until we can guarantee an optimal experience for ticket holders and was created by Randy employees.” Wong-Westbrooke as a playful recreation of Richard Ouzounian, Creative Consultant with Lighthouse ArtSpace Robert Indiana’s iconic explained how the show takes you on a journey through the life and art “Love Sculpture”, of Van Gogh with a visual and musical timeline of his art that includes bridging the gap depictions that reflect his time in Saint-Remy-de-Provence asylum and the between Van Gogh’s 71 paintings he did in the days prior to his suicide in 1890. We were able era and contemporary to see these parts of the show during our visit and the impact for a lack of art. better words was touching and explosive. They are also offering The creator, Massimiliano Siccardi used Van Gogh’s paintings by taking yoga classes. Take them apart and reassembling them in this interactive exhibit. The flowers in the Immersive bloom before your eyes and the stars twinkle and shimmer on the water of Van Gogh exhibition the Rhone river. while engaging in a 35-minute yoga class that takes place within the multi-sensory and allAn awe-inspiring score of both classical and contemporary music encompassing galleries. Led by Small World Yoga instructors, the class is featuring selections composed by Luca Longobardi accompanies the choreographed in harmony with the exhibition. After class, participants are visual spectacular. Immersive Van Gogh runs about 35 minutes and uses invited to stay and experience the art around them. Participants will also 67 projectors to create the breathtaking scene. receive a nutritious Lifeway Kefir sample, packed with probiotics to nourish their microbiome and to recover from their yoga session. Gogh There are also really unique mirrored sculptures that are part of the with Lifeway Kefir Immersive Yoga classes start Friday, April 22 and will main exhibition hall that were created by Director David Korin that give be scheduled for Fridays at 8:15 AM & Saturdays at 7:15 AM. Tickets are guests a unique vantage of observing the art. Korins has designed sets for $54.99. “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” Whether you are an avid patron of the arts or just wanting to learn a little bit more about such an iconic figure in the art world, this exhibit has a little bit for everyone of any age. We highly recommend that if you get the chance to come see this exhibition that you should! It truly is a magical experience. Ticket prices start at $39.99 ($24.99 for children 16 or younger), with timed and flexible ticket options available. For more information about Immersive Van Gogh, visit nashvillevangogh. com. Follow the exhibition on social media at @vangoghnvl

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Hangout Music Fest takes festivalling to a whole other level with a combination of beach, music and more on the golden sands of Gulf Shores, Alabama. The huge line-up merges the biggest and best artists of multiple genres offering 3 full days of contemporary pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM, country and indie music. What more could a festival-goer ask for than good music, friends, and their toes in the sand?! Well, there is actually so much more… After taking a couple year hiatus due to the pandemic, Hangout is back and better than ever. While the music lineup is AMAZING (which we will get to our must-sees shortly), there is so much more they have to offer for patrons. A music festival is obviously about the music, but it is also a festival which usually means there are other experiences to be had during your time there. Yes, Hangout is on the beach – that is enough said for most – but did you know that it also has a roller disco, private beach/ocean access, a spa, Ferris wheel, a wedding chapel, infamous art installations as well as good eats! When it comes to festivals, I like to think of Hangout as the creme de la creme of festivals. Any true festival goer can appreciate the camping that most festivals offer, but Hangout accommodations usually consist of beach front condos, sun and WATER. It is definitely the most luxurious one on this coast. If you really wanna get bougey and party in luxury there VIP and Super VIP options are definitely worth every penny. They offer special entrances, a stage-side pool, complimentary drinks, performances and viewing spots for their patrons, and Super VIP event boasts complimentary dining with gourmet meals from award-winning chefs, private cabanas, as well as golf cart shuttles between the main stages. If you wanna level up even more, they even have a Big Kahuna option which includes 24/7 special concierge and basically side stage viewing of the performances. One year we got a day where we were able to enjoy some of the VIP amenities to see what it was like, and let me tell you, if you can DO IT. It was amazing and forever changed our mind on what VIP at any festival should be like. So at this point let’s talk a little bit about some things to remember when attending a beach music festival, like what to bring – what not to bring, and the ins-and-outs of partying like a rockstar but still managing to last a full day in the sun for three whole days. We are going to focus mostly on what to bring – there’s a full list of what not to bring on there website, but the obvious ones are no glass, no outside food or drinks (minus baby foods – but don’t worry there are a ton of food options), no chairs, and the obvious of weapons and things alike. First of all, don’t bring everything and the kitchen sink with you into the festival – leave that stuff at your home-base for the weekend. Basically if you have to question if it will be allowed, then don’t bring it. Some items that you should bring include: • Do not forget SUNSCREEN – I don’t care how well you tan, you will need it. Those UV rays are no joke and if you do burn it will make the rest of your trip miserable. They allow in Liquid sunscreen (3oz or less), don’t try to bring in the spray kind they won’t allow it through the gates. BUT if you do forget, you can buy some in the stores that are inside of the festival grounds, but you will pay a bit of a premium for it. • Following up on the sun protection, sunglasses and hats are also good things to bring. Don’t be that person that brings the biggest, floppiest sun hat you can find and stands in front of everyone. You are obstructing other people’s views and it’s obnoxious. Please don’t be THAT person, try a bucket hat. • Blankets and beach towels are a must for staking your claim in the sand for the show. It gives your group a boundary to relax in and most

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• •

people will walk around them. Now that being said, if you are at an EDM / high energy show near the front of the stage, this courtesy does not always apply. A swimsuit (if you aren’t already wearing it in), back up flip flops, band aids, clear plastic ziplock bags, and an empty non-glass water container (max size is 2 liters… STAYING HYDRATED IS KEY). A few other items that we suggest but remember they have to be SEALED/UNOPENED are chapstick/gloss, gum/breath mints, travel size deodorant, tampons/feminine products (for the ladies) and cigarettes (for the smokers and as a note- they do not allow vapes or electronic cigarettes – I know this can be a tough one for some).

So getting all of these items in is another noteworthy topic, Hangout has a CLEAR bag policy with size restrictions. So backpacks, bags and purses must follow this rule and be no larger than 12″x6″x12″. There are a few exceptions, Small clutches that are hand size with or without strap that are no larger than 4.5″x6.5″, fanny packs, and CamelBaks. But a note on the CamelBaks, the bladder must be a removable one and empty upon entry, and that can have no more than ONE additional pocket outside of the compartment that holds the water bladder. I don’t know how many years we have seen trash bins outside of the entrance full of brand new bags and such that didn’t fit these requirements. You definitely do not want to be in this situation – it is heart-breaking. Ultimately, the goal is to stay unburned, hydrated, and have a blast listening to music on the beach. Like any festival it is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Don’t get too drunk, be nice, see something -say something, look out for the environment and pick up after yourself, and appreciate that live music and this festival is finally back!

NMG’S HANGOUT TOP MUST SEE ARTISTS (outside of the headliners, of course)

Oliver Tree – think of him as a mix of pop, rock and electronic. He has been killing the Billboard alt. rock charts and for good reason. You have probably even heard some of his music and didn’t even know it. Here’s one of our faves by him to give you a taste of what to expect. Surfaces – is a Texas-based duo that illuminates that the “no shirt, no shoes, no problem” ideology in their music. They are relatively new, being formed in 2017 but have also taken the Billboard charts by storm with songs like “Sunday Best” and their collab with Sir Elton John on “Learn to Fly”, but the most appropriate song for this festival would definitely be this one… Lucii – would be our EDM non-headlining pick for Friday. She is the creator of unique genre called Space Bass. Launching in 2017, our favorite quote from her bio is “her music is here to stay until the Earth is no more, where it then will return to the cosmos.” Audrey Nuna – is a first generation Korean-American hailing from New Jersey and is a true ambassador for not only female hip-hop artists but her culture as well. Her get up and go attitude has proved fruitful in her music career and if you are into boss music babes, you will like Audrey.

Oliver Tree

Surfaces

Lucii

Audrey Nuna

Bren Joy

Remi Wolf

Bren Joy – is a Nashville native that kicked off his writing career in 2018 and his music embraces his love of gospel, R&B, hip-hop, jazz and pop. Bren’s sound attempts to redefine the mainstream sound and bring something new to your ear. His song “Henny in the Hamptons” screams Hangout-worthy. Remi Wolf – has powerhouse vocals, psychedelic pop instrumentals, and lurid lo-fi imagery. All eyes are on her recently as she has been defying music genre rules with her sound. One of our favorites by Remi is “Liz” – she is sure to make a splash at Hangout. Sidepiece – is a duo brainchild from Ricky Mears (Nitti Gritti) and Dylan Ragland (Party Favor) which was formed in 2019 and has taken the Dance music scene by storm. They were nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance Recording in 2021 as well as having the #1 most supported dance record in the world in 2020. Their sound is on the electronic music spectrum, whilst keeping firm footholds in the bass and trap worlds. If you haven’t seen them yet, now is your chance! Moon Taxi – is a Nashville favorite and based band. We wouldn’t be Nashville Music Guide if we didn’t mention this amazing group. They explore everything from folk to soul to inventively crafted electronic pop in their music. This is one group not to be missed. We love it all, but this is one of their big ones. Breland – is the epitome of the new country hip-hop crossover landscape coming out of Music City. He has been listed as an Amazon Break Through Artist, has multiple 2022 CMT Awards nominations, and is part of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents: State of the Music exhibit. If you aren’t sure if you like country but are a fan of other genres, he might just change your mind. Surf Mesa – is a Seattle artist that makes “music for good feels” and has humble aims: to make catchy, chill pop music and give others a way to “feel better about their day.” The 20-year-old songwriter and producer spent much of 2020 honing the escapist energy of the nostalgic electronic ballads he’s been working toward since he got a copy of FL Studio in third grade, was named an artist to watch by numerous outlets in 2021 and since has been a frequenter on the Billboard Dance/Electronic charts. Beabadoobee – has been on a stratospheric rise with her flawless output of confessional bedroom pop songs and a dedicated Gen-Z fanbase. Born in the Philippines raised in London, beabadoobee signed with Dirty Hit following the success of her viral single “Coffee” which was sampled years later in 2020’s sixth most streamed song of the summer “death bed (coffee for your head)” – a song which climbed into the Top 20 chart in 27 countries and brought Bea her first RIAA Platinum Certification. “death bed (coffee for your head” has been streamed over 1 billion times.

Sidepiece

Moon Taxi

Fletcher – is somewhat of a Hangout veteran to us. We had the honor to chat with her in 2017 during Hangout Fest (she hadn’t even released her EP at that point) and we just love, love, love how far she has come in her music and self. She is an amazing story teller and it shows in her music – magnetic and moody pop songs about feeling like you‘ve found your forever person before you find yourself and, as a result, needing to uncover the parts of you that remain unknown.

Fletcher

The Head and The Heart – are a festival favorite with their high energy live show and overall musicality which makes them a touring powerhouse. The Head and The Heart’s self-titled breakout debut produced instant classics including “Rivers and Roads,” “Down In The Valley” and “Lost In My Mind” (#1 at AAA) The Head and The Heart and is now Certified Gold. But the fan favorite is “Honeybee” KennyHoopla – is one of the most notable rising alternative artists right now. His music instantly takes my back to the early 2000’s to bands like Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, and Jimmy Eat World but yet it’s fresh and new. Check out what we mean below and try to argue against his sound Tre’ Amani – has been Influenced by pioneers such as Tupac Shakur, Bob Marley, and Kanye West, Tre’ depends on self expression, individuality and creativity as an outlet in a world he feels lacks originality. He vulnerably displays his raw talent, while simultaneously allowing listeners to hear the ups and downs of his life. All of this can be heard in his song “Already Famous” which we believe he is. Montell2099 – is one of the most thrilling new electronic music talents to emerge from New Zealand in recent years. Mixing bubbling VST melodies, manipulated vocal snippets and booming bass hits, Montell2099 is shaping the sound of the future with his genre-bending force, daring frequencies, and dizzying, club-ready dynamics. With a sharp ear for the cutting edge, Montell2099’s mantra is simple — always keep your listener on their toes. With his innovative, shape cutting techniques, the most intriguing part about Montell2099’s craft is that you’ll never guess his next move. He caught our ears for sure and we can’t wait to hear him live.

Renforshort – released her debut EP teenage angst, brimming with seven soul-baring, alt-pop bangers influenced by everyone from Nirvana to Amy Winehouse. And she hasn’t slowed down since. Her sophomore EP off saint dominique, is a collection of deeply reflective and snappy tracks that range from acoustic pop to alt-rock to pop-punk. Her music is her diary: unfiltered, full of angst and the tackling everyday struggles – raw and real.

Sublime with Rome – with this one if you know, you know. You just can not miss this set. Sublime has more hits than one can count and listening to them is beach/ festival life religion in our opinions.

Neal Francis – is a refined yet free spirit. His musical influences are unmistakable: the vocal stylings of Allen Toussaint and Leon Russell; the second line rhythms of The Meters and Dr. John; the barroom rock‘n’roll of The Rolling Stones; the gospel soul of Billy Preston; the roots music of The Band. We can’t wait to hear his set, rain or shine.

For more information visit: www.hangoutmusicfest.com

KennyHoopla

Tre’ Amani

Montell2099

Sublime with Rome

Diesel – It’s Shaq. Enough Said

Diesel

Neal Francis NashvilleMusicGuide.com Breland Surf Mesa Beabadoobee Renforshort

Fans will get in the groove from 11:00 AM-4:45 PM daily, rockin’ to the Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park with performances by Cooper Alan, Kassi Ashton, Frankie Ballard, Laci Kaye Booth, Tyler Booth, Country Comeback Tour, Ashland Craft, Dalton Dover, Hannah Ellis, Josh Gracin, Andy Griggs, Ty Herndon, Tiera Kennedy, King Calaway, Chrissy Metz, Jamie O’Neal, Meghan Patrick, Frank Ray, Restless Road, Reyna Roberts, Lily Rose, SEAFORTH, Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen, Uncle Kracker, Chuck Wicks, Mark Wills, Rita Wilson, Darryl Worley, Chase Wright and Michelle Wright. The Maui Jim Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza features a can’t-miss lineup of performances each day from 10:45 AM-4:30 The Country Music Association has released its much-anticipated PM including After Midtown, Roman Alexander, Abby Anderson, initial lineup for this year’s CMA Fest, returning to downtown Avery Anna, BEXAR, Tyler Braden, Allie Colleen, Spencer Nashville Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12 following a twoCrandall, Jackson Dean, Madeline Edwards, Ian Flanigan, Jordan year postponement due to the pandemic. Hundreds of Country Fletcher, Ray Fulcher, Aaron Goodvin, Alex Hall, Noah Hicks, Music artists are slated to perform on multiple stages across Jake Hoot, Andrew Jannakos, Caroline Jones, Kat & Alex, Erin downtown Nashville. Fans can now access a limited number Kinsey, Trea Landon, Triston Marez, Dylan Marlowe, Walker of four-day passes, plus newly announced single night tickets, Montgomery, John Morgan, Catie Offerman, Robyn Ottolini, for the Nissan Stadium nightly concerts. CMA Fest is uniquely Teddy Robb, Jordan Rowe, RVSHVD, Sean Stemaly, Tebey, programmed with artists donating their time so a portion of ticket proceeds can be invested in high-quality music education programs Temecula Road, Tigirlily and Lauren Weintraub. throughout the U.S. via the CMA Foundation. All artist lineups are subject to change. Outdoor daytime stages are free and open to the public. Additional stage lineups, including “We’ve been waiting two years to host Country Music fans from nighttime concerts at Ascend Amphitheater and Fan Fair X coast to coast and every corner of the world,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Now we’re two months out and the activities inside Music City Center, will be announced in the coming weeks. excitement is palpable! We can hardly wait to bring the Country community back together in June.”

Riverside Retreat is an exclusive destination along the Cumberland River offering guaranteed admission to the Chevy Riverfront Taking the nightly Nissan Stadium stage this year are Country Stage, where audiences attending the free daytime concerts often Music superstars Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, reach capacity. A number of additional perks will be available Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Russell Dickerson, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Parker McCollum, Carly Pearce, including shaded areas, misting stations, charging for mobile devices, discounts on select beverages, air-conditioned restrooms, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, yard games and more. Participating fans will have unlimited in and Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Zac Brown Band and more. out access 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM each day during CMA Fest. The Chevy Riverfront Stage returns with a stellar slate of talent that will keep fans moving from 10:00 AM-5:15 PM each day with performances by Lauren Alaina, Jimmie Allen, Ingrid Andress, Tenille Arts, Priscilla Block, Danielle Bradbery, BRELAND, Blanco Brown, Callista Clark, Easton Corbin, Jessie James Decker, Travis Denning, Lindsay Ell, ERNEST, Morgan Evans, Tyler Farr, Larry Fleet, HARDY, Home Free, Ryan Hurd, LANCO, Chris Lane, Jon Langston, LOCASH, Maddie & Tae, Kameron Marlowe, Scotty McCreery, Niko Moon, Parmalee, Michael Ray, Tyler Rich, Jameson Rodgers, Dylan Scott, Elvie Shane, Matt Stell, Mitchell Tenpenny, Tenille Townes, Drake White and Lainey Wilson. Taking the mic on the Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park from 11:00 AM-4:45 PM each day are Rodney Atkins feat. Rod + Rose, Chris Bandi, Chayce Beckham, Shy Carter, Ashley Cooke, Adam Doleac, Sara Evans, Carter Faith, Filmore, Ryan Griffin, Caylee Hammack, Laine Hardy, High Valley, Willie Jones, Kidd G, Love and Theft, Chase Matthew, Kylie Morgan, David Nail, Jerrod Niemann, Drew Parker, MacKenzie Porter, The Red Clay Strays, The Reklaws, Runaway June, Sister Hazel, Caitlyn Smith, Conner Smith, Brittney Spencer, Thompson Square and Hailey Whitters.

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CMA Fest will once again be filmed for a national television special to air on the ABC Television Network this summer. “CMA Fest” will be executive produced by Robert Deaton. This is the 19th consecutive year CMA has produced a summer music program to be broadcast as a network television special. Named the “gold standard” and topping Billboard’s list of the 10 Best Country Music Festivals, CMA Fest is the longest-running Country Music festival in the world. The 2019 CMA Fest sold out with capacity crowds and had the largest engagement by Country Music fans in the event’s history, with visitors from all 50 states and 37 international countries flocking to downtown Nashville. The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience™ began in 1972 as Fan Fair®, which drew 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. Now celebrating its 49th year, the legendary festival has become the city’s signature Country Music event that hosts tens of thousands of fans from all 50 states and 37 international countries. CMA Fest is a one-of-a-kind festival with artists donating their time to perform so ticket proceeds can directly benefit high-quality music programs across the country through the CMA Foundation.

Events Happening During CMA FEST Week Country Artists will also be announcing Fan Club parties for fan over the next couple of weeks. Some that have already been announced are Lauren Alaina (June 9), Darryl Worley (June 9), Chris Young (June 9), Phil Vassar (June 8), Wade Hayes (June 8), Mark Wills (June 9) and Terri Clark (June 8). More info on each can at www.facebook.com/groups/CMAFestFans/events. Other events that are happening during CMA Fes that have been announced include Darius Rucker and Friends, Sunday Mornin’ Country, Rock’n’ Jock Celebrity Softball Game, Stars for Second Harvest, Next Generation: Sons and Daughters of Country Legends, and Nashville Navy Family Reunion. Rock’n’ Jock Celebrity Softball - June 6 @ First Horizon Park, Lineup, Time & Tickets: TBA Nashville Navy Family Reunion - June 7 @ Nashville Palace, 6PM Tickets $20, Hosted by Shelly Fairchild, Lineup: TBA Stars for Second Harvest - June 7 @ Ryman Auditorium Time, Lineup and Tickets: TBA; The acoustic benefit concert has featured some of the hottest headliners in country music and always sells out. Past headliners have included Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, and Dierks Bentley. All proceeds help feed hungry people in Middle and West Tennessee. 23rd Annual Moore & Moore Fan Club Party - June 7 @ Nashville Nightlife, 6PM Tickets: $25 ADV; $30 Door; Hosted by singer/songwriter, Scott Southworth and performance by Moore & Moore with special guests, David Frizzell, Leona Williams, James Carothers, Dion Pride, more artists TBA. Next Generation: Sons & Daughters of Country Legends June 9 @ The Troubadour, 7PM Tickets: $30 ADV, $35 Door; As a way of preserving their parents’ legacy, a group of ‘kids’ of Country Legends, came together to perform and keep the traditional country music alive. Performance by the sons and daughters of legends like Conway Twitty, Mel Tillis, Ray Price Glen Campbell, Dottie and Shelly West and The Bellamy Brothers. Sunday Mornin’ Country - June 12 @ The Grand Ole Opry, 2:30PM Tickets: $55. Sunday Mornin’ Country promises to be the best ticket in town, blending top Country artists and your favorite Gospel music together for a time of celebration and inspiration along with great entertainment for the whole family. Again this year, the show will be hosted by the legendary Country Music and Rock -n- Roll Hall of Fame member, Brenda Lee. Sunday Mornin’ Country is an event you won’t want to miss. This year’s show will be the 40th Anniversary of Country music artists coming together to share their hearts as well as their favorite Gospel songs. Sponsored by the Nashville-based nonprofit, Music City Christian Fellowship, the concert has wrapped up the week at the conclusion of CMA Music Fest each year, leaving fans and guests with an uplifting memory of Nashville. Sunday Mornin’ Country is the longest-running Country/Gospel event during the music festival. Line up TBA

13th Annual Darius & Friends - June 6, 2022 Darius Rucker will return to the historic Ryman Auditorium on Monday, June 6 for his 13th Annual Darius and Friends concert benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. The event, which unofficially kicks off the week of CMA Fest in downtown Nashville and has raised more than $2.5 million to date, will feature an all-star roster of friends to be announced in the coming weeks. “I can’t wait to be back at the Ryman with all of our friends from St. Jude,” shares the three-time GRAMMY Award winner. “This show is always a highlight of the year for me, because it not only raises funds for a very important cause, but it also allows me to bring together some of my best friends in Nashville for a fun night of incredible music.” Rucker, who has always prioritized philanthropic work, made a commitment to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital nearly 15 years ago after taking an inspiring tour of the hospital. Through this meaningful experience, Rucker learned how St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Reflecting on his 2008 visit to the hospital to the Tennessean ahead of last year’s show, Rucker noted, “You see these kids who are sick, and they’re so happy to be there, because their caregivers are so loving and giving to them. And then you find out that nobody ever gets a bill. That blew me away. I was just like, ‘We’ll figure out some way to help you guys as much as I can.’” Now, more than a decade later, that effort has become an annual tradition. Friends performing with Rucker in past years have included Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, John Daly, Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Tommy Thayer of KISS, among many others. The lineup for this year’s event will be announced soon. Tickets to the 13th Annual Darius & Friends benefit concert start at $50 with VIP options up to $150, available via AXS.com.

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additional artists not featured on the main festival bill.

PLAZA 2 – The ZEN ZONE

A brand new plaza where Bonnaroovians can chill out and with their head in the clouds, relaxing to a fluffy light show.

PLAZA 3 – House of Yes

After a two-year long hiatus - one due to the pandemic and the other due to weather - Bonnaroo is back and better than ever. Bonnaroo has paid close attention to fan feedback throughout its history in order to best enhance the onsite experience, each year integrating new features and exciting upgrades to the overall event. Bonnaroo 2022 will see the debut of an array of additional activities and site improvements, including enhanced signage, way finding help, pedicabs, info booths, cooling stations, and much more.

What’s New at Bonnaroo

This year will also see the introduction of Bonnaroo Daily Entry Camping Passes, a new system required for all vehicles and campers that will drastically cut wait times entering the festival site. GA ticket-buyers will be required to secure a vehicle pass by day for either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Weekend access from Thursday through Sunday. The earlier campers arrive, the closer they will camp in proximity to Centeroo. This year’s Bonnaroo will see getting around the festival made easier and more convenient than ever before with the arrival of Jamtrak Powered by Allegiant, a free on-site transport system enabling attendees to easily travel day or night to and from Centeroo and the far away parts of the site. Bonnaroo 2022 will also see a number of stage improvements, including a spectacular production makeover for our second biggest stage, The Which Stage. In addition, The Other Stage – our beloved home for electronic music – will now feature all-night performances and DJ sets through sunrise each day, along with spectacular new lighting, lasers, and surprises galore. Fans will also love the reinvention of the Silent Disco and the Who Stage, and even the What Stage has a special surprise in store.

Campgrounds at Roo: a world within a world

Bonnaroo’s campground hubs of curated activities and convenience – known as Plazas – will return better than ever in 2022. Strategically located and well-lit public places throughout the campgrounds, Plazas include shade, free public Wi-Fi, charging stations, misting stations, showers, restrooms, medical and safety stations, information booths and incredible programming for the fans. The 2022 Campground Plazas lineup features a number of returning favorites along with several all-new experiences and over 70

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House of Yes and Little Cinema return in 2022, bringing rainbow realness and Brooklyn magic to Bonnaroo with epic spectacles, immersive movie screenings, circus shows galore, and all-night dance parties for the weird, wild and wonderful in all of us.

PLAZA 5 – Galactic Giddy-Up

Bonnaroovians are invited to boot scoot boogie over to Plaza 5’s extraterrestrial saloon, Galactic Giddy-Up, where they can learn to line dance or catch a show on the back of a pickup truck. Headliners include Turnpike Troubadours, Paul Cauthen, Flatland Cavalry, Lainey Wilson, The Brook and The Bluff, and Vinyl Ranch.

PLAZA 7 – ROOm of Rhythm

A colorful new world fueled by Jazz and Blues, created by Brooklyn design duo Wade & Leta and populated by artist Jenny Ollikainen’s award-winning Mythic Times masked performers, designer Brett Douglas Hunter’s fabulous creature creations, and the intriguing sounds of Yomí (that Harpist). Headliners include Sugaray Rayford, Tomar and The FCs, and Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band.

PLAZA 9 – ROOlax and ROOboot

by Motherfunk, The Beyond is a safe space featuring everything from interactive art to funky dance parties, yoga, curated sounds, and great vibes.

The Bonnaroo Pride Parade

The annual Bonnaroo Pride Parade will once again march through the Camping Plazas, bringing together merrymakers of all identities to form a spectacular, rainbow-covered party of unity, love, and celebration. Last, but very definitely not least, the newly revamped VIP Campground Plaza will feature air-conditioning, private bars, complimentary Wi-Fi, daily yoga classes, games, live video feeds of the festival performances, and some special surprises. Located close to Plazas 2 and 3, the VIP Campground Plaza is available exclusively to VIP patrons.

Droolworthy Food

From mouth watering fish tacos and grassfed beef burgers to the best damn doughnuts you’ve ever had (seriously), there are all sorts of food adventures throughout the festival. With plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options you WON’T be going hungry. There is also the BonnaROOTS Dinner. BonnaROOTS are our annual locally-sourced sunset feasts supporting grassroots causes— Oxfam America and Eat for Equity. Available on multiple days, VERY special guests join us for an unforgettable meal on The Farm. Past years, people found themselves sitting next to, Bonnaroo producers, artists, activists and an assortment of Bonnaroovians with an appetite for soulfully good food. Together, you’ll eat, drink, and raise thousands of dollars for the greater good. Saturday’s dinner boasts the world’s longest salad bar - all sourced locally.

Bonnaroo’s place to relax and reboot. A shady hang space where attendees can hook up to wi-fi, send out emails, charge your devices, and upload pics to make non-Bonnaroovian friends Change the World jealous. Somewhere near the top of the Bonnaroo to-do list is “change the world.” So, in 2009, Where In The Woods the Bonnaroo Works Fund was created as a Brought to you by BACARDĺ, the re-imagined 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Thanks to and re-oriented “Where In The Woods” the generosity and support of fans around stage will feature DJs and surprise sets in an the world, BWF contributes to remarkable enchanted disco forest – created by immersive nonprofits and programs helping communities art and music experience designers Thousand thrive. But we don’t deserve all the credit! Deep – that comes to life after dark with Aside from the donation included in your kaleidoscopic lights and sounds. Headliners festival ticket purchase, generous fans also include NGHTMRE, Channel Tres, Dillon support The Fund through ticket add-ons, Francis, and Jauz Presents: OFF THE DEEP the annual Silent Auction, Roo Run 5k, END. BonnaROOTS Dinners, and other BWF fundraising efforts.

HOUSE OF MatROOmony

For the first time ever, Bonnaroovians can say “I Roo.” Bonnaroo’s new Chapel of Love will host romantic activities like Love Song Karaoke Happy Hour, sets by New Orleans house music DJ HEELTURN, interactive photo booths, and daily wedding ceremonies where attendees can get hitched by Bonnaroo’s very own “Dolly.”

The Beyond

The Beyond is a welcoming inclusive destination made for Bonnaroovians to lounge, create, connect, and play. Curated

Take a break in Planet Roo, a haven for sustainability, wellness, and global consciousness. With representation from a diverse group of non-profit organizations, this space is an opportunity to learn and relax. Bonnaroovians can come together for yoga, dance, and meditation classes, workshops at The Academy and Learning Garden, or powerful panels at The How Stage. Stop by the Roo Works HQ in Planet Roo to bid on exclusive autographed items from Bonnaroo artists or one-of-a-kind artwork in

the Bonnaroo Works Fund Silent Auction. While you’re there, visit with some of our nonprofit beneficiaries and learn more about how your festival tickets support community programs in arts, education, sustainability, and social impact efforts in Middle Tennessee and beyond. Get ready to #WinTheLongRun and run across the Bonnaroo campgrounds while supporting the Bonnaroo Works Fund. Customize your bib at pickup on Thursday or Friday at the Roo Works HQ and get ready to rock the 5k on Saturday. Costumes, creativity, and flair of all kinds encouraged. Athletic shoes required. Oh and heads-up, multiple prizes will be awarded! If you’re a slacker and want to wait until you get to the Farm we will be accepting new registrations Friday June 14th ONLY, at the Plaza 2 Roo Run Bib Pick Up tent from 10am-2pm. There is no promise you will get a spot in this amazing race as it may sell out so sign up in advance! More information on signing up can be found on bonnarooworksfund.org/get-involved

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT • Camping gear (Tents & Shelters, Sleeping Bags & Beds, Tarp) • A shade structure is a big help in the campsite! • Cooler and/or water jugs to refill (ice available for purchase throughout the campgrounds) • Lantern / flashlight / headlamp (AND extra batteries!) • Stainless steel water bottle (or two!) • Camping chairs, tables, and anything else that might help create a comfy home-away- from home • Rain gear (failure to bring it increases the chance of rain) • Your favorite hoodie (yes, it CAN get cold in TN) • Extra shoes/sneakers (treat yo feet!) • Mud boots (in case it rains) • Bug spray (we recommend without DEET – be green!) • Sunscreen (lots of it) • A hat for shade • A bandana (in Tennessee, in September, you’re going to sweat) • Sunglasses • Biodegradable plastic bags for trash (we do provide some bags for trash and recycling, but extras are nice) • Toilet paper (it’s provided, but some backup is always a good idea) • Flag or balloon to identify your campsite • Extra set of keys to keep with you at all times (avoid keeping keys in your car!)

YOU DON’T NEED IT TO SURVIVE, BUT YOU’ll BE HAPPY YOU HAVE IT • Small stove or grill if you would like to cook some of your own food (please obey our Gasoline/Charcoal/Propane Policy) • Small luggage lock for your tent (don’t bring any valuables – if you must, keep them locked & out of view in your vehicle) or rent a lockers • Vehicle key code (this makes it easy for the locksmith to duplicate your car key if you lose it) • Smokers – bring an ashtray! Every butt you throw on the ground, someone has to pick up! • Extra clown nose • Blanket (for sitting) • Earplugs (for sleeping) • Portable speakers or radio This year’s line up is chalked full of amazing music. Highlights will include performances by Tool, J. Cole, Stevie Nicks, The Chicks, M.G.K., Flume, Illenium, Roddy Ricch, 21 Savage, Billy Strings, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, $uicideboy$, Lettuce and Porter Robinson. Now, for some artists to catch that you may not know ... The Regrettes are driven by heavier, more prominent guitar tracks and an emotionally charged vocal performance by lead singer Lydia Night, the LA band delivers an electrifying performance and effortlessly invokes their punk rock roots.

Andy Frasco & The U.N. resonate a sound that is a sunny blend of classic rock and roots music. They have a natural knack for blending danceable funk-rock and soul into songs that are actually fun to ingest, even if the subject matter is depression. Live, they rock the foundation of surrounding structures. flipturn is walking proof that the DIY approach

is still alive and well in the modern music world. The quintet is known for its pop-rock sound with an indie-alternative flair. Basse radiates pure joy as the voice of the band, pouring every ounce of effort and emotion into each song in the set with the perfect balance of energy and intimacy. Disko Cowboy defies genre and convention with his mashup DJ party. Blending a mix of disco-tech and country western jives, Disko Cowboy’s DJ sets create an atmosphere akin to a psychedelic rodeo with music curated for everyone’s inner urban cowboy and cowgirl with a disco spin. Bailey Bryan has vocals that are strong with a sense of vulnerability and wonderfully pretty at the same time. Her audience will be hooked with her beautiful music and on stage persona. Her music is fresh, current, relevant, catchy, poetic and clever all while crossing many music genres including country, R&B and hip hop. The Dip is a seven-piece band with a contagious energy with head-bobbing rhythms and vein-shaking guitars. They have an updated take on soul and R&B with an old school style, yet contemporary indie flair that will have you instantly singing along. Just overall solid musicianship. Wallows are an alt-rock trio that’s sonic exploration, fuses a vast array of musical ideas to create a one-of-a-kind sound - from lo-fi, post punk and indie-folk to early ’90s dance-pop psychedelia. They have skilled musicianship and the light show syncs perfectly to the chords & drums. Whiskey Myers is Country, Americana/Folk and Rock all blended into one. Their high energy show boasts crunchy rock’n’roll guitars that hit the perfect sweet spot all along while mixing in ethnic soul and heavy blues. All troubles and problems vanish as these Whiskey-lovers dive head-first into jam band mode. Zach Bryan is undeniable rooted in Country music as a singer songwriter. His success is found in his raspy voice, a mix of classic folk melody and outlaw country with a raw edge that cuts to the bone. A man of simple words, Bryan’s ability to create depth in his work is rivaled by few artists. It is authentic, brutal and real. Denzel Curry deserves your undivided attention. This Miami rapper operates with the force of a full Jedi master, slicing through bars with dexterity, magic and control. There is drum and bass, poetry, trap and Jazz, among other genre notes to his sound. All Them Witches is an extraordinary rock band. Their sound is laced in modern hard rock with heavy guitar riffs reminiscent of the best of the ‘70s rock scene. What’s even more the lyrics are loud enough to be heard over the music. Impressive and powerful.

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Alex Miller’s Miller Time Photo Credit: Ryan Pike

Kentucky- native and singer-songwriter, Alex Miller is a true Country music traditionalist and exudes the meaning of traditional in every manner possible and we are here for it. At age 18 he found fame as a contestant on American Idol (Season 19). This experience really opened up the doors to his artistry and style that grew on his traditional roots. “I tried to take the advice that Luke Bryan and Katy Perry gave me on Idol and that was to reach a little bit, to see who I am as an artist and what really fits” The Billy Jam Records artist is now ready to release his debut album, Miller Time. Set to release April 29, the album offers up a kick in the pants breath of fresh air with ballads, barn burners, and a few surprises. “Going into this I wanted to make an album that showcased all the different sides of me - Swing, Bluegrass, Country and Gospel,” says Alex. “Miller Time gives me the chance to show folks all the music I love and enjoy.” The collection opens with a tale of the dead-broke and brokenhearted in “Breaking The Bank.” Miller then steals your breath away with the gently rolling ballad and current single, “Through With You,” deftly transitioning from heartache to acceptance to moving on. Alex takes a turn to the lighter side with the hilarious Western Swing “Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya,” and keeps the humor going with the twangy, toe-tappin’ fiddle and steel of “Girls Must Be Clumsy.” The achingly sweet, slow swinging “Kentucky’s Never Been This Far From Tennessee” offers a nice mood shift, but the attitude’s back with the sassy “I’m Over You, So Get Over Me.” Things gets serious with “Boys In Uniform,” a beautifully written and poignant patriotic ballad that offers an understated but powerful vocal performance. “I’m Done” is a mid-tempo story of determined walkin’ away, then the tempo moves into high gear with the amped-up, barn burning ode to the travellin’ kind that is “Freeborn Man.” The album closes with a rafter-raising rendition of Hank Williams’ Gospel song, “I’m Gonna Sing,” that finds Alex joined by the ever-amazing Oak Ridge Boys. Throughout, top-tier musicians bring their A-game. The project boasts Brent Mason on electric guitar, Mike Johnson on steel, Jason Roller on acoustic guitar and fiddle, Robb Tripp on drums, Kevin Grantt on bass and Dirk Johnson on keyboard. “I always knew making music was what I wanted,” Alex admits. “To actually be doing it is really me living the dream.” His days begin early: there are band rehearsals, interviews with outlets from around the world, songs to write, travel to gigs and performances. In between, Alex still manages to find time to curate his Weekly Wednesday Facebook Video, post on socials and, when he’s home - which is less and less often these days, he helps his Grandpa around the family cattle farm. “I do miss Lancaster sometimes,” Alex admits. “But this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance that I can’t ignore. I’m lovin’ it, I’m working hard … doing my part to make ‘em all proud of me.” Miller Time should do just that. Since departing Idol and in between working on his debut album, Alex has performed at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, five state Fairs (KY, MO, NY, WA, WI) and at additional shows around the country. He has headlined as well as opened shows for Hank Williams, Jr., Josh Turner, Lee Brice, and more. Alex was Texas Roadhouse’s Artist of the Month in October 2021 and performed with Rhonda Vincent at the Lee Greenwood All-Star Salute. For more information on Alex Miller visit: AlexMillerCountry.com

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Alyssa Bonagura taking off on “New Wings” and “Paper Airplane”

Hands up everyone who received their college diploma from Sir Paul McCartney? Anyone? Anyone? Step forward Alyssa Bonagura. Attending the Paul McCartney Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts – and having the diploma placed in her hands by Macca himself – is just one of the notable moments in the unique career of Nashville-area native Alyssa Bonagura, an accomplished singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Her current release, “New Wings” is being followed by her newest song, the evocative “Paper Airplane.” “It was three of the best years of my life,” said Alyssa, recalling her time in Liverpool. “I was looking for a school that specialized in music production, but I didn’t really find any in America that I was excited about. One day I was at a Christmas party with my parents and we met the English singer-songwriter Siobhan Kennedy who is from Liverpool. We were talking at the party and Siobhan said, ‘Have you heard of the Paul McCartney School?’ I said, ‘Are you kidding me? Paul McCartney has a school?’ She told me about it and the next day I applied. I told myself that if I was accepted that I would go. Well, I got accepted and I received a full scholarship from Sennheiser, the German audio electronics company. It was such a blessing.” Alyssa has been surrounded by music since her birth, spending much of her childhood on a tour bus with her parents (Baillie & The Boys) and singing a duet, at the age of ten, with Kenny Rogers on his album, Christmas From the Heart. “I’ve always been into music production ever since I was a kid,” she notes. “My dad had these 8-track minidisc recorders that I would start to layer harmonies on. I was writing songs at, like, eleven and had all these parts and ideas in my head and wanted to record them. We started building a studio in our attic when I was in high school and I’ve always been fascinated with music production. It’s fun for me because I am able to get ideas out and record them myself and it gives me more freedom to be creative.” Alyssa talked about her two most recent releases. “’New Wings’ was written during the pandemic. After the world kind of stopped in the very beginning of the pandemic, I was writing a ton of songs with other artists and songwriters over Zoom. I started to really dive into Nature and go on hikes. Every day I spent my time outside and tried to just be present in a weird, scary time. My whole way of healing is writing songs.” She explained the story behind “New Wings.” “I’d found this legend by Paulo Coelho called The Lesson of the Butterfly. In it, a man sees a cocoon hanging from a branch and a butterfly is struggling to emerge from it. He watches it for a long time and feels bad for the butterfly and decides to help it so it can stop struggling. He gets a pair of scissors and cuts open the cocoon, but the butterfly falls to the ground because its wings are undeveloped, and it is unable to fly. The lesson of the butterfly is that what it goes through is actually what makes its wings strong enough to fly.”

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The story really hit home to Alyssa and inspired her to write what would become her song “New Wings.” “I think we were all going through something, each with different stories of struggle,” she explained. “2020 was like a cocoon year and I had to struggle through it so I could create my new wings so I could fly.” The graphics that accompany the song capture the essence of the story. “They were created by an artist in the U.K. named Ben Rix who is so talented,” she said. “I wanted it to show me in a playful world where everything was coming to life.” Alyssa followed “New Wings” with “Paper Airplane,” the third release from her upcoming album. It’s about a failed relationship but doesn’t focus on accusation and vindictiveness. “’Paper Airplane’ is another song that really came to me through healing after going through a breakup,” she said. I don’t believe in vindictive songs. I don’t like creating songs that would call out someone else. When you really step back and look at where things went wrong, each person is to blame for their own stuff. Sometimes we don’t realize that until we take the time to be solo and reflect on it. “This was really a reflection song for me, realizing that you’ve got to have your own stuff together and you have to heal a lot of past stuff before you get into a new relationship. You can’t really make it if it’s not on a firm foundation. That’s why I love the analogy of a paper airplane because it seems like it’s going to work, but it’s not made of steel and wood, it’s made of this whimsical idea. Sometimes our relationships are like a paper airplane without the structure to hold them together over time.” Formerly with Sony Records Nashville, Alyssa is now an independent artist and was attending Country Radio Seminar (CRS). “This is my first CRS and I’m so excited to be a part of it,” she said. “We’ve been on the radio this year with ‘Paper Wings’ so to be included in CRS is a real honor. I’ve lived here my whole life and I grew up with country music parents so I’ve known about CRS, but I’ve never been able to be a part of it before.” As a songwriter and producer, Alyssa has cuts on numerous artists including Steven Tyler, Joe Bonamassa, Jessie James Decker, Morgan Evans and Jo Dee Messina. She has recorded as a duo, named The Sisterhood, with Ruby Stewart after Ruby’s father Rod Stewart encouraged them to start a band because their voices sounded so good together. They released a self-titled album in 2019. As an opening act, she has shared the stage with artists as diverse as Ringo Starr, Jason Mraz, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Sheryl Crow, The Who, Guy Clark, Jr., Steven Tyler and Rod Stewart, among others, all of whom have become her fans. Now, in 2022, with three full-length solo albums and an EP to her credit, Country radio is sitting up and taking notice of Alyssa’s singles, “New Wings” and “Paper Airplane.” Looking to the future, Alyssa said, “I’ve got some cool things planned and one of them is that I’ll be in Scotland playing at the Millport Country Music Festival, set for August 19 and 20. I’m really looking forward to that.” Meanwhile, I’m finishing up my full-length album and I’ll be releasing it later this year. I felt that this year would be a very good year to introduce people to my music and build a following from the ground up so that in 2023 I could plan a little tour. In 2022 I’m going to keep releasing songs digitally and there are a couple of more things in the works.” Alyssa Bonagura is a unique artist whose vocals and songwriting interlace country music storytelling with contemporary rock and even a dusting of Brit-pop. Described by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, more than a decade ago, as “a future star in the making,” Alyssa has an army of fans in the USA, Europe and the UK. Give a listen to “New Wings” and “Paper Airplane” and you’ll see why Rolling Stone hailed her as “a fixture on Nashville’s indie singer-songwriter scene.” More about Alyssa Bonagura on her website and on Instagram and Twitter @alyssabonagura. Story by Preshias Harris

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Gavin Lee brings true-grit reality to country music his stepfather – and is now in the studio with producer Bill McDermott working on new music. Listen to his current single, the poignant “Beginning of Me,” and other tracks here. A couple of different inspirations led to the writing of “Beginning of Me,” as Gavin explained. “I was trying to write a ballad, and I heard a song by Riley Green called “Bury Me in Dixie,” and when I first heard that song, I loved it,” he recalled. “I’m from Florida, and Riley’s from Alabama, so we’re both from the deep South. I wanted to write a song similar to that song as far as a ballad goes. But ‘Beginning of Me’ didn’t turn out to be the ballad that I set out to write, but Riley’s song gave me the inspiration to write something really heartfelt.”

If Gavin Lee feels totally at home in the Great Outdoors, the stage is quickly becoming his second home. Gavin spent his formative years with his stepfather, working their farm under the hot summer sun in Florida, and hunting and fishing together in the Fall. It was during these years that Gavin developed his love of music, learning to play guitar in his early teens and listening to the local rock and country radio stations. . “The songs that influenced me were a lot of Brooks & Dunn, Travis Tritt, definitely a lot of Hank, Jr.,” said Gavin about his musical influences. “A lot of older country, but definitely a lot older rock as well. I’m kind of a big Poison and AC/DC fan and all that. As far as pushing me in one direction, so to speak, one song that stands out in my mind in particular was “Check Yes Or No” by George Strait. That was the song that pushed in the direction of country. Before that I was listening more to rock, because my parents were both big fans of rock and roll, but my mom was a huge fan of Alan Jackson, so I listened to a little bit of Alan Jackson and a whole lot of rock and roll!”

The second influence behind the song, again, was Gavin’s stepfather. “All of that in the song is true, from start to finish. I actually have a tattoo of my stepdad on my right shoulder,” he revealed. “So those two things came together to give me the inspiration for ‘The Beginning of Me.’ A more happy-go-lucky song from Gavin Lee is “Friend with a Beer,” that includes the great line: “I’ve had friends with money, I’ve had friends with fame / I’ve had friends I’d be happy to never see again.” Gavin told me the story behind the song. “I co-wrote ‘Friend With a Beer’ with Will Rambeaux and Sherrié Austin, and they had a few titles that they’d come up with before I got to the writing session and ‘Friend With a Beer’ was one of ‘em. I said, ‘You know what? I kinda like that one. Let’s go with that feel.’ So we just wrote to that song title. In all honesty, I think we got it written in an hour. It pretty much wrote itself. It’s simple, happy, upbeat and fun!” Gavin invited a lot of friends and family to join him for the “Friend With a Beer” music video. “That’s me riding in my backhoe and my Ford pickup in the video. It was a fun video to make and we had everything right there.”

He graduated from Molly Hatchett and Lynyrd Skynyrd to feeling With a laugh, Gavin added, “I have a lot of friends, but my favorite an affinity with the Country artists of the 1990s and the storytelling friend is the one that brings me an ice-cold beer!” that was relatable to the everyday working man and woman. Coming up: the new single, “Dance,” another track co-written with “I just enjoy the twang and the ‘relatableness’ of it all,” was Rambeaux and Austin, set to drop in April 2022. how he described his love of 90s country.. “Life is full of ups and downs, and 90s country, for me, really touches on that. ‘His “I am pumped!” he said excitedly. “I can’t wait for ‘Dance’ to woman left him, he lost his job, his dog died’ or whatever! That’s be released. It’s a traditional country song. It’s a mix between a what Life is really like. And it can be happy too, obviously, but kind of a Brooks & Dunn “Hard Workin’ Man” and “Boot Scootin’ mostly, that’s what did it for me when it comes to 90s country. Boogie.” It’s got a line dance in it. Out of all the songs that I’ve That has influenced a lot of my own music.” written and recorded, this one is by far my favorite. It’s just got that good upbeat feel to it. It’s the kind of song that really gets the Following the death of his beloved stepfather, Gavin found comfort audience up and moving.” in his songwriting that helped him cope and heal. He has said that from there, he discovered a way that his songs could focus on and “Dance” is on track to add to Gavin Lee’s growing reputation as celebrate the ‘little things’ in life. a solid singer-songwriter whose storytelling skills put an original twist on songs built around the lives of the country’s hardworking Following his dream, Gavin made the big move and came to blue-collar people. Nashville where he found a welcome in the music community, regularly participating in writers’ rounds across Music City and More about Gavin Lee at his website and follow Gavin on honing his craft as a songwriter. Facebook. @gavinleemusic Story by Preshias Harris Since then, he has released a number of singles including “Old Chevy” – inspired by the gift he received as a reward from

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Nashville’s first-ever professional bull riding team to host inaugural homestand at Bridgestone Arena Aug. 19-21

Ahead of the inaugural season for the ground-breaking 2022 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Team Series, the league today announced the schedule for the eight teams that will compete through the first season. The Nashville Stampede, the city’s firstever professional bull riding team, will debut inside Bridgestone Arena August 19-21. “Nashville is a city unlike any other. The culture, the atmosphere and the community set the stage for a phenomenal event,” says Nashville Stampede General Manager Tina Battock. “We are proud to represent Music City and the state of Tennessee at home and on the road, and we hope the fans are ready to cheer us on to a championship.” The Nashville Stampede will host the fourth event of the season, with PBR also revealing the home dates for the teams based in Austin, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Glendale, AZ; Kansas City, MO; Oklahoma City, OK; Ridgedale, MO; and Winston-Salem, NC; along with the two neutral site events. Tickets for the event are on sale now and start at $20, taxes and fees not included. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com and PBR.com, at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office, or by calling PBR customer service at 1-800-732-1727. The PBR Team Series builds on the existing structure of professional bull riding with the same basic rules for judging and scoring qualified 8-second bull rides. Events will be staged in a tournament-style format with all teams competing in head-tohead matchups against a different opponent each day. Each game will feature five riders per team squaring off against another team. Full team rosters will be comprised of seven riders on the core roster and three practice squad members. The team with the highest aggregate score of qualified rides among its riders will be declared the winner of each game. The event winner will be the team with the most game wins across an event, with a special bonus round designed as a tie-breaker to determine final event standings. All PBR Team Series events will be carried on either the CBS Television Network, streaming live on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, or RidePass on Pluto TV. For more info: pbr.com/teams/stampede

Nashville Superspeedway to host NASCAR Cup Series Triple Header weekend june 24-26

NASCAR announced its full 2022 Cup Series schedule, which includes the “Ally 400” at Nashville Superspeedway on June 26, 2022. “We are thrilled to once again welcome NASCAR’s top talents in 2022 and build upon the excitement here in Middle Tennessee that started this past June,” Erik Moses, Nashville Superspeedway’s president, said in a news release. “We received a tremendous response to our inaugural NASCAR Cup Series weekend and are looking forward to providing an enhanced and improved race-day experience inside and outside the grandstands.” The full schedule for Nashville Superspeedway’s June 24-26 NASCAR triple header weekend includes: Sunday, June 26: Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race (4 PM/CT, NBC) Saturday, June 25: Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race (2:30 PM/CT, USA) Friday, June 24: Rackley Roofing 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race (7 PM/CT, FS1) “The 2022 NASCAR season is already shaping up to be very special, and we know racing fans are excited about returning to Music City this summer,” said Erik Moses, Nashville Superspeedway’s president. “Last year our fans made certain that Nashville Superspeedway hosted NASCAR’s first post-pandemic, full capacity sell out on Father’s Day and we can’t wait to build upon that success here in Middle Tennessee this June.” Fans attending the 2022 race weekend will also have the opportunity to enjoy a full complement of amenities and experiences including on-site RV camping, pit road access, an expanded fan zone and live music throughout the weekend. Those attending the Cup race on Sunday will be treated to a pre-race concert, and Friday patrons will enjoy a post-race firework show. Ticket holders can look forward to hearing more details on the fan experience as the races approach. The Ally 400 is the second NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway after last season’s inaugural sold-out event. The Tennessee Lottery 250 is the 23rd Xfinity Series race at Nashville Superspeedway while the Rackley Roofing 200 is the 15th Truck Series event at the 1.33-mile concrete track. : Tickets for the NASCAR weekend start at just $35. Kids 12 and under get in FREE for Friday and Saturday races and $10 (all with a paying adult) for the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 26. For Nashville Superspeedway ticket information visit https://www.nashvillesuperspeedway.com/

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‘Bad Boy’ Dakota Poorman shakes up country music scene people back together and make us feel good again. It’s a downhome party song that’s ‘red, white and blue collar.’” He talked about the writing process for the song. “I just put pen to paper and it flowed right out. I mean we probably took like an hour and a half to write the song. It was just the flow of the song that made it so easy to write. It was something that I’ve dealt with from experience, playing shows, drinking a six-pack, just having a good time. Just getting rowdy with your friends on a Saturday night.” He said that audiences try to sing the lyrics along with him, even though it’s a “fast, word-spittin’ song,” as he described it. He added, “Just seeing people sing my songs back to me, that’s what it’s all about. It makes you feel good. It’s an amazing feeling that money cannot buy.” A few decades ago, ‘Outlaw Country’ shook up the country music scene as personified by Waylon, Wille, Kris Kristofferson and David Allan Coe. Now along comes a new ‘bad boy’ of country music: Dakota Poorman who is happy to step outside the boundaries that surround many country artists. ‘New’ isn’t really the word to describe Dakota Poorman who has been earning his chops the hard way: playing gigs in bars and venues throughout the Northwest, surrounding his hometown of Maple Valley, Washington, and fronting the Dakota Poorman Band since 2010. However, he might be a ‘new’ name and a breath of fresh air in Music City. Cranking up the excitement – and audiences – with what he describes as “Red, White and Blue Collar Country,” Dakota delivers his unique blend of country rock highlighted with banjo and fiddle that build on his influences as diverse as Travis Tritt, Bob Seger and The Marshall Tucker Band. He has had a guitar in his hands since he first picked up one at the age of seven and strummed along to the sounds of Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Patty Loveless and Merle Haggard wafting from the family stereo. Excitement is what a Dakota Poorman live show is all about, and listeners can latch onto that exhilaration in his single, “American Made,” that he wrote alongside band guitarist Scott Reeves and producer Malcolm Springer. The track, that premiered in August 2021, jumped into the MusicRow Breakout Chart and No. 68. Arriving in Nashville for Country Radio Seminar after a string of gigs in Texas and Oklahoma, Dakota told me how “American Made” came about. “We were all sitting around in the studio doing pre-production and seeing what kind of song ideas we had,” he said. “Malcolm, my producer, wanted a kind of AC/DC country, feel good song. Something about the USA we could be proud of. We were going through some dark times with Covid and everyone was just kind of turning on one another. “We felt we could just use a good American song that could bring

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Dakota’s next single is titled “Hippie @ Heart” and Dakota talked about the origin of the song that happened when he was sitting in a friend’s garage, just hanging out one night. “They’d just put their kids to bed so we were having ‘parent time’ and we were talking about songs and what’s the next step for me in Nashville and all that stuff,” he recalled. “His wife came out and said, ‘You should write a song called ‘Hippie at Heart.’ And I thought that was a great title.” A couple of days later, Dakota took her idea and went down to his parents’ place in Maple Valley. Part of their barn has been renovated to make a room out of two of the former horse stalls, and Dakota uses that room as a writing sanctuary. “To be honest,” he said, “I lit up a giant doobie, smoked half of it, started writing and in forty minutes I came out with ‘Hippie @ Heart.’ It was from what I grew up with, listening to Pink Floyd and so on. It’s just a modern day ‘weed honky-tonk’ song which is funny because being from Washington State, where weed is legal, I took it and ran with it.” He says that “Hippie @ Heart” is one of his favorite songs to play. “People love it,” he says. “They love to see the edginess of it and hear the rawness. It’s almost like Bob Seeger’s ‘Night Moves’ meets country. It’s something that I hold near to my heart because of the experiences I had growing up and that’s what shaped the song to what it is.” With a proven track record of drawing enthusiastic fans to his exciting live shows, along with opening for acts like Marshall Tucker, Dustin Lynch and Jon Pardi, Dakota Poorman is about to burst on the national stage with his upcoming single, “Hippie @ Heart,” coming in April 2022. More about Dakota at his website. Follow Dakota on Facebook, on Instagram @dakotapoormanmusic and on Twiiter @Dakota_ Poorman Story by Preshias Harris

Frankie Justin Climbs the radio charts one single at a time been on the airwaves of country radio. Thank you God, Jesus, Country Radio, SMG Nash, and you guys, who have been supporting me on this ride. I guess nice guys can win.” Hundreds of fairs, festivals, venues, and shows with artists like Lee Brice, LoCash, Parmalee, Easton Corbin, Dwight Anderson, John Anderson, High Valley and more, Frankie is building connections with fans show by show, track by track. He has an energy that gravitates people. He explains with a smile, “Its moments like LoCash bringing you on stage, John Anderson sharing life lessons backstage, Easton Corbin telling you keep up the good work, that are incredibly surreal and unforgettable experiences.” His second consecutive and longest lasting single on the charts to date, “Spotlight,” is an upbeat sonic blast with a compelling hook. Penned by Ben Hayslip, David Lee Murphy, and Brian Simpson and is a tour favorite. KQBA’s Kidd Corona states, “Adding Frankie Justin to our rotation definitely adds that cowboy tradition country back to radio.” Frankie says “It’s incredible to live this life but I want to bring people with me on the way and work for a greater power rather than my own, because it’s really not about me. It’s about bringing a smile to someone’s face or lighting their day. That’s what it’s about.” When Johnny Cash’s nephew handed him his first guitar at 8 years old, something sparked inside Frankie Justin. Fast forward to 21 years old, featured on Spotify’s New Music Nashville with his latest release and 2 consecutive charted singles at country radio, the spark ignited. 1.4 Million streams on TikTok and his first Top 60 single to country radio, “Broken Heart Break,” has amassed consumption any artist or marketing major can attest to. The song was penned by Chris DuBois, Brent Anderson, and Forest Whitehead. The writing team has brought multiple format mainstays such as “Buy Me a Boat” by Chris Janson, “Remind Me” by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, “Lonely Tonight” by Blake Shelton, “Peter Pan” by Kelsea Ballerini and many more.

With one listen, anyone can attest he doesn’t sound like anybody else. He has an individuality that’s hard to come by in today’s genre. Frankie Justin is an undeniable modern country artist. For more info visit: Frankiejustin.com

The single, “Quittin’ You,” is Frankie’s fastest rising single to date. Featured on Spotify’s New Music Nashville and is already making waves at TikTok. Written by the creative mind of Brian Warren, whose credits include Sam Hunt, WCTY’s Jimmy Lehn states, “Frankie Justin may have recorded the perfect country song!” His latest single “Gentleman” is currently climbing the charts. “My 5th charted single on country radio. I really don’t know what to say. Radio has always been a huge influence in my life,” said Frankie. “Since I was 15, I became a student of radio, at 18, I got to do my first radio tour and meet so many amazing people that gave me shots, and now at 22, I’m able to say I have 5 songs that have

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WWE SummerSlam comes to Nashvillle’s Nissan Stadium July 30

World Wrestling Entertainment is no stranger to the city of Nashville. The company has held several house shows plus episodes of Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown throughout the years, typically at Bridgestone Arena. But when the sports entertainment company makes its return to the Music City in 2022, for the first time in the event’s history, WWE SummerSlam® will make a historic stop at Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, on Saturday, July 30, 2022. All events will stream live exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else. SummerSlam is not often held in a open-air stadium venue; last year’s event at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas was the first SummerSlam event held inside a stadium since 1992 and Wembley Stadium in London. “Since returning to live events this past July, our fans have graciously expressed a tremendous appetite to attend WWE shows,” WWE President & Chief Revenue Officer Nick Khan Some of the wrestling world’s biggest and most boisterous stars will be out to do battle on July 30, 2022, as part of the massive and dramatic faux-combat undertaking. WWE’s roster includes stars such as former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Edge, Randy Orton, Big E, Drew McIntyre, the Street Profits and many more. SummerSlam, though, has recently been an event where former and current stars make their return to the ring. Last August, John Cena made his return to the ring in the main event match against Reigns. Tickets for SummerSlam start as low as $25 and are available at Ticketmaster.com. SummerSlam Priority Passes, which allow fans unrivaled access to WWE like never before through immersive VIP experiences that include premier seating, a dedicated stadium entrance, premium hospitality offerings and meet-and-greets with Superstars and Legends, can be purchased now through WWE’s exclusive partner On Location at www.onlocationexp.com/wwe

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Don't miss the chance to be part of something special in Southeast Tennessee this fall. On October 8th and 9th, incredible music and breathtaking caves come together to create the firstever CaveFest at The Caverns featuring headlining acts Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Yonder Mountain String Band and artist in residence Lindsay Lou plus many more. In addition, on-site camping, delicious food trucks, local vendors, and underground activities will be available on site. “Fall is an absolutely gorgeous time to visit Tennessee, and that’s why we picked early October for our first CaveFest,” says The Caverns owner Todd Mayo. “With the addition of our new campground and full capacity outdoor amphitheater combined with our caves, we’re excited to welcome guests for a 2-day festival experience that only The Caverns can deliver.” Scheduled for a holiday weekend, the inaugural festival will take full advantage of what The Caverns has to offer above and below ground. Headlining performances will take place on the base of the mountain at The Caverns Amphitheater with ample space for blankets, chairs and dancing surrounded by views of the majestic Cumberland Plateau. The Caverns world-famous underground concert hall will host daily jam sessions, cave yoga, old-time square dancing, and more soon-to-be-announced activities. Of course CaveFest will also feature cave tours and underground adventures. Guests will have two days to get deep and explore beneath the Earth’s surface. The Caverns will offer 60-minute walking tours through the otherworldly Big Room Cave that entwine the unique history of the area, geology and mythology of cave lore. For thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, Adventure Cave Tours will be available to take guests beyond “Tombstone Pass” to see an underground river, a chamber of soda straw formations, and more. CaveFest line-up includes: Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Yonder Mountain String Band, Rising Appalachia, Sierra Hull, Jim Lauderdale, Kitchen Dwellers, Lil Smokies, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Lindsay Lou Band, Larry Keel Experience, Volunteer String Band, Pressing Strings, Sicard Hollow, Kendall Street Company and Taylor Scott Band. Daily lineups will announced at a later date. More info: https://www.thecaverns.com/featured/cavefest

Americana News:

Send me stuff, I love to get it! PreshiasWriter@hotmail.com TN/USA Google “Preshias” Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at collegeofsongology. com Follow her blog at nashvillemusicline.com

“If I am chasing your dream faster than you, then I am in the wrong dream.” – Preshias © (TM)

Quote of the Month:

Lineup Includes: Asleep at the Wheel, Black Opry Revue, James McMurtry, The Jerry Douglas Band, Joshua Ray Walker, Miko Marks, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Rissi Palmer, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, Shemekia Copeland, Town Mountain, Watkins Family Hour and More. Americanafest will showcase more than 200 artists and bands throughout notable venues in Nashville, TN. The destination event also features a first-rate industry conference, bringing together the top tier of the music business to discuss current industry topics and issues through insightful panels and workshops. The week of festivities kicks off with the critically acclaimed Americana Honors & Awards, which celebrates Americana luminaries and welcomes the next generation of trailblazers while offering one-of-a-kind performance pairings at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium. More information at www.americanamusic.org

Anniversary News:

The Grand Ole Opry honors member and legendary vocalist Gene Watson, celebrating his 60 years in the music business. During a performance on Friday, April 8, Dan Rogers, Vice President / Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry, presented Watson with the plaque after his show-stopping rendition of his octave-jumping “Farewell Party” to commemorate his six decades as an artist.

“I started being a songwriter pretending I could do it, and it I could.” - James Taylor

turned out

Album News:

The Americana Music Association has announced the first 89 of hundreds of acts slated to perform at their annual Americanafest, which runs from September 13-17 in Nashville, TN.

Morgan Wallen’s ‘Dangerous: The Double Album’ has broken Billboard’s Top Country Albums record for the most weeks at No. 1.

Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album now holds the Billboard Top Country Albums record for most weeks at number one, for an amazing 51 weeks, beating the record previously shared with Luke Combs’ This One’s for You, and Shania Twain’s Come On Over.

Celebrating 60 years in the music business hasn’t slowed down Watson, who just announced his new album, Outside the Box, due out in fall of this year. The ‘singer’s singer’ has also added more dates to his 60th Anniversary Tour. More information at GeneWatsonMusic. com

Most Weeks at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums Chart: 51 – Dangerous: The Double Album, Morgan Wallen Jan. 23, 2021 50 – This One’s for You, Luke Combs, June 24, 2017 50 – Come On Over, Shania Twain, Nov. 22, 1997 43 – Always & Forever, Randy Travis, June 20, 1987 41 – No Fences, Garth Brooks, Oct. 13, 1990 37 – What You See Is What You Get, Luke Combs, Nov. 23, 2019 36 – Fly, Dixie Chicks, Sept. 18, 1999 35 – Fearless, Taylor Swift, Nov. 29, 2008 35 – O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Sound track, Feb. 24, 2001 34 – Some Gave All, Billy Ray Cyrus, June 6, 1992

Artist News:

Watson’s single “If It’s That Easy” was released to radio in 1962 via Sun Valley Records. Since then, he has charted 75 titles including 23 Top 10 hits, six No. 1 country singles and five No. 1 gospel records. The Texas native continues to perform to sold-out crowds, singing in the same key as he did more than five decades ago.

Tour dates and more at https://morganwallen.com @morganwallen

The expansive release behind multiPlatinum entertainer Jason Aldean’s 10th studio album MACON, GEORGIA (Macon Music/Broken Bow Records) is now available in it’s entirety. MACON, GEORGIA was created during long months off the road and

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represents the first chunk of time since Aldean was a teen that he was not hopping from city to city each night, and he put it to good use. Together with longtime producer Michael Knox, Aldean took an anything-goes approach to his signature sound with part all-new music and part career retrospective. The three-time ACM “Entertainer of the Year” has bolstered 26 No. One hits, 15 billion streams and more than 20 million albums sold. Seven of Aldean’s previous studio albums have been certified platinum or more and he has the most Top 10 song on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, more than any other artists, since making his chart debut in 2005. Aldean will gear up for the road this summer with his ROCK N’ ROLL COWBOY TOUR as the 34-city trek will launch July 15th in Scranton, PA, with special guests Gabby Barrett, John Morgan and Dee Jay Silver. The multiPlatinum singer has also founded Wolf Moon Bourbon, an 80 proof bourbon that has been distilled from Midwestern grains and aged for four years offering a finish of caramel, oak and spice. For more information, visit www.JasonAldean.com.

Benefit News:

For the seventh year, Country With Heart will be held during CMA Music Fest week to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The all-star event is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre on Music Valley Drive in Nashville, Tennessee with a buffet at 5:30pm followed by music at 6:30pm.

Country With Heart founder, singer/ songwriter Bobby Marquez will host the show featuring star, country music hit songwriters this year. Cavender’s/PFI, the leading western wear and western lifestyle dealer for the American South and Southwest, will sponsor this special event. The 2022 Country With Heart show will be dedicated to Petey Northrup, a former St. Jude kid and a supporter of the annual benefit as well as a personal friend and top fan of Bobby Marquez. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s current campaign is “Love Music. Stop Cancer.” St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. All proceeds from Country With Heart will go directly to St. Jude. For updates on the 2022 Country With Heart benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, keep up with Bobby Marquez at www.facebook.com/bobbymarquezmusic and http://www. bobbymarquez.com.

Birthday News:

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The Grand Ole Opry celebrated the 90th birthday of one of its most beloved and iconic Opry members, Loretta Lynn on Opry Country Classics on Thursday, April 14 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Lynn’s 90th birthday celebration featured performances by Lynn’s sister, Opry member Crystal Gayle, The Gatlin Brothers, Elizabeth Cook, Maggie Rose and the Opry debut of duo Twitty and Lynn, the

grandchildren of famed duo Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty. Lynn, born on April 14, 1932 in Butcher Holler, KY, made her Opry debut on October 15, 1960 and was officially inducted as a member on September 25, 1962. She went on to become one of the Opry’s most celebrated legends. Her countless accolades include three Grammy Awards and eight Country Music Association Awards. In 1972, she became the first female artist to win the Country Music Association’s coveted Entertainer of the Year award. Now a member of the Country Music and Songwriters Halls of Fame, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. The show can be heard on https://www.opry.com and wsmonline. com, SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse, and the show’s flagship radio home, WSM Radio.

Bluegrass Music News:

The Isaacs’ new single, “Humpty Dumpty Heart”, written by members Sonya and Becky and hit maker Ronnie Bowman, is a playful song with a healing message about not letting heartbreak keep you down. This second single of the multi-Grammy® nominated and multi-GMA Dove Award winning group comes from their 2021 released The American Face album and has a catchy melody with soaring harmony vocals that capture the listener’s ear all the while reminding us that life is full of disappointments and the choice to stay broken or get back up is ours. “Most everyone has loved and lost,” says Sonya Isaacs, lead singer of the song, “but too many people let pain and rejection control their lives, forgetting that someone only has power over your future if you give it to them”. Isaacs continues, “Heartbreak can ruin you, so this song is a reminder to get up, wipe the egg off, and keep moving on.” The recent 2022 GRAMMY® nomination of Songs For the Times for “Best Roots Gospel Album” is The Isaacs’ third consecutive album to be nominated. Music, tour dates and more at theisaacs.com

Book News:

Blackstone Publishing has announced the forthcoming release of God, Family, Country: Soldier, Singer, Husband, Dad—There’s a Whole Lot More to Me [Blackstone Publishing; September 27, 2022; hardcover, e-book, and audio book], by chart-topping country music entertainer and Army veteran Craig Morgan.

One of country music’s best-loved artists, fans know Craig Morgan from his hit songs and acclaimed albums, and seeing him in the new TV series, “Beyond The Edge,” on CBS. In his gripping new memoir, Craig Morgan shares all aspects from his life, revealing stories even his most avid fans don’t know about—like how he worked alongside the CIA as a soldier

in Panama, or fought sex traffickers as an undercover agent in Thailand. God, Family, Country is available for pre-order via https://www.craigmorgan.com. Craig Morgan has charted 25 songs on Billboard and thrills massive crowds with signature hits including “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester,” “This Ole Boy,” “Wake Up Loving You,” and the four-week No. 1, “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” In 2008, Craig was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Christian Music News:

As one of the most successful Christian touring artists today, Grammy® winner Chris Tomlin will return to headline back-to-back concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheater on May 23 and May 24. This will be Tomlin’s fifth visit to the iconic venue, after becoming the first Christian artist to headline two consecutive nights; he repeated history in 2019. Chris will once again partner with The Awakening Foundation for the two night engagement. Tickets now on sale at https://www.christomlin.com.

“To stand outside in the vastness of God’s creation and worship together is an experience unlike anything else… and to be returning to Red Rocks for a fifth time is something I am so grateful and excited for,” shared Chris. “These back-to-back nights of worship are more than just concerts… These are opportunities to encounter the presence of the living God in the center of his creation and one of the most iconic venues in the world.” The unprecedented return to Red Rocks will come just weeks after Chris’ annual Good Friday Nashville concert at Bridgestone Arena.

Concert News:

On the heels of a breakthrough year filled with a Grammy nomination, five ACM Award nominations, a CMT Award nomination, and just announced earlier this month six nominations for the upcoming 2022 Billboard Music Awards, Walker Hayes announces his new headlining arena tour called Glad You’re Here.

The fifteen-city trek will kick off in Johnstown, PA on Sept. 29, with special guest Parmalee and marks Hayes’ first-time headlining arenas after selling out theaters across the country this spring on his 19-city The Fancy Like Tour. More details at www.walkerhayes.com. “I can’t believe that we are playing arenas,” says Hayes. “It’s mind blowing how our team is growing, how the crowds are growing, and how the music continues to connect with my audience. I’m just so grateful.”

Craig Allen Cooper. Craig will likely sound familiar to fans, as it’s the name of a beloved Hayes song in which he documents the day a pastor he barely knew – Craig – gifted the Hayes family a car during a time of need. It helped the family through one of their toughest moments and led Hayes down his path towards finding hope in Christ. The book is set for release May 3.

Conference News:

CD Baby is hosting its seventh annual DIY Musician Conference, geared toward independent musicians. From August 26-28, the conference returns to an in-person experience at the Hilton Austin in Texas, offering musicians the first chance since 2020 to come together, learn, and connect with some of the taste makers and industry reps who will jump-start the next phase of their careers. Attendees can expect an array of sessions by industry leaders and their fellow artists, with topics hitting the key moments in independent musicians’ lives. Hands-on sessions will cover everything from livestream strategies, connecting to fans on social platforms, launching a release, marketing music, and more. Over three days, attendees will also get a chance to work one-on-one with expert mentors, to play with their fellow artists, and to hear great music. Folks who cannot attend in person won’t miss out, as CD Baby will include a virtual option as well. “One of our goals is for musicians to walk away with plans of action and the fire to get it done,” explains Kevin Breuner, CD Baby’s SVP of Artist Engagement and Education. Tickets and info at https://diymusiciancon.cdbaby.com.

Country Coffee News:

Country hit maker Craig Campbell and his wife Mindy have opened their coffee shop, named Grindstone Cowboy, in their hometown of Eagleville, following the grand opening on April 30, 2022.

“Mindy and I share the love of coffee and music, and this has been a dream of ours for a long time,” said Craig, who alluded to the fact that there is no drive-thru coffee shop within 20 minutes of their house. “We love this community and want this to be a welcoming place for our friends, neighbors and visitors to have a great cup of coffee, good fellowship, wonderful music and maybe a drink or two.” Housed in a historic building at 115 North Main Street in the heart of Eagleville, Grindstone Cowboy will include a restaurant, bar and music venue and feature craft coffee drinks, coffee cocktails, beer on tap, and soups and sandwiches at lunch. Coffee for Grindstone Cowboy will be roasted by popular Nashville coffee house Frothy Monkey, and an in-house baker will create baked goods and desserts. More at https://thegrindstonecowboy.com. Craig Campbell Tour, by God info and tickets at https://www.craigcampbell.tv.

The new tour gets its name from another first for Hayes, his forthcoming book “Glad You’re Here” written with his best friend,

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CreatiVets News:

Nashville-based nonprofit CreatiVets and Big Machine Label Group’s campaign to release a new veteran-written track on the 20th of every month — paying tribute to the 20 veterans and active-duty members that commit suicide every single day — continued April 20 with “Miss Those Memories,” available now (via Big Machine Records).

The tune was written by Marine Veteran Lloyd Howard Jr. alongside multi-platinum hit maker Justin Moore, award-winning songwriter Casey Beathard, and CreatiVets co-founder Richard Casper. A product of one of CreatiVets’ lauded songwriting programs, which aims to pair combat veterans with songwriters in Nashville to learn how to use music as a form of therapy, the moving song was inspired by Howard’s harrowing time in service and his positive approach to life after war. Featuring lead vocals by Beathard and background vocals by Moore, the poignant track serves as a reminder that countless veterans are faced with a new set of battles after returning home. More about CreatiVets, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helping veterans with opportunities to use art, music, and creative writing to heal their unseen wounds of war at https://creativets.org.

Deepest Sympathies

Country music hit maker and Academy of Country Music award-winner Jeff Carson recently passed away due to a heart attack Franklin, Tennessee/ He was 58.

Michael Ray, Lee Greenwood, Mark Wills, Ty Herndon, Wade Hayes, Rhett Akins, Ricochet, Craig Campbell, and more are set to join together at “A Music Memorial For Jeff Carson” to honor the country music hit maker and Academy of Country Music awardwinner. They will take the stage at The Nashville Palace in remembrance of their dear friend on Tuesday, May 10 at 7 PM to share, celebrate and honor their times with Carson through the years. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 15 at 10 am (CT) and are $50 for reserved seating and $40 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at https:// www.outhousetickets.com/Event/19544-A_Music_Memorial_ for_Jeff_Carson/ Carson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and began his musical career early on singing in church. He recorded demos, including Tracy Byrd (“Walkin’ To Jerusalem”), Tracy Lawrence (“I See it Now”), Reba McEntire (“The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter”), Tim McGraw (“I Wouldn’t Want It Any Other Way”), Faith Hill (“It Matters To Me”), Mark Wills (“Places I’ve Never Been”), Diamond Rio

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(“Mirror Mirror”) among others. “Yeah Buddy,” was his first charting single and was followed up with ‘Not On Your Love,’ which went number one. The following single, ‘The Car,’ became a top-five hit, topping out at number two and won Carson his first Academy of Country Music award for “Video of the Year.” Carson had several other singles, including “Real Life (Was Never The Same Again)” from his album “Real Life.” In total, Carson’s career achieved 14 charted singles on the Billboard chart. Carson took a break from music to become a law enforcement officer with Franklin Police Department in Williamson County, Tennessee, where he remained on the police force. Returning to music in 2019, he signed with Encore Music Group and has been in the studio with Buddy Hyatt recording a specialty album to be released later this year that included duets with Michael Ray, Darryl Worley, Mark Wills, and Craig Morgan.

Duet News:

After 10 albums, the last five of which have gone top 10 or better, six Grammy awards, and sold-out tours around the world, The Black Keys are back. The duo releases its eleventh studio album, Dropout Boogie, on May 13 via Nonesuch Records. The first single, “Wild Child,” is out now along with a video directed by the band’s longtime collaborator Bryan Schlam.

Dropout Boogie features collaborations with Billy F. Gibbons (ZZ Top), Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound), and Angelo Petraglia (Kings of Leon). As they have done their entire career, the duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney wrote all of the material in the studio, and the new album captures a number of first takes that hark back to the stripped-down blues rock of their early days making music together in Akron, Ohio basements. The Black Keys will tour North America for the first time in three years starting in July. Watch the “Wild Child” video, pre order Dropout Boogie and see Dropout Boogie Tour dates at https://www. dropoutboogie.com. International tour dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Follow at https://www.facebook.com/ TheBlackKeys and @theblackkeys

Emerging Artist News:

North to Nashville is currently in the studio, working on their very first record.. They have released 3 singles off their new record – “For All I Know”, “I Can’t Even”, and “Coast to Coastin”.

North to Nashville consists of Evan Blankenship as the lead vocalist, Brian Turnbull on lead guitar, Ryan Tuhy on bass guitar, and Ben Anderson on drums. While each of the band’s members comes from their own different musical backgrounds, one thing is clear – their passion for playing great country music.

Attention Singers & Songwriters:

“Honest, affordable career counseling for new and developing singer/songwriters to help you understand and benefit from every aspect of the music business. Personal, one-on-one guidance tailored to meet your unique career goals and current level of experience.” For More Information: 615-482-5823

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Formed in March of 2018, the boys of North to Nashville have quickly gained significant recognition throughout the Midwest and have achieved massive success throughout their hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Having opened for and shared stages with country music artists such as Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Lee Brice, Jake Owen, Cole Swindell, David Lee Murphy, Chris Young, Big and Rich, and many more, North to Nashville strives to deliver their audiences more than just a concert, but an energetic country music experience. Music and info at northtonashville.com.

Garth News:

Looks like Garth Brooks is on the way to seeing his name on a bar/ eatery in Nashville. He has announced the upcoming opening of a three-story, 40,000 square foot venue located at 411 Broadway that was previously occupied by Paradise Park. Garth is reportedly partnering with Strategic Hospitality on the new venture. With Garth’s wife Trisha Yearwood enjoying a ‘side gig’ with her Food Network TV show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, her involvement in the project is a possibility. The Garth honky-tonk, as yet un-named, will join other venues such as Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Dirks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge Food + Bar, Florida Georgia Line’s FGL House, Kid Rock’s Big A** Honky Tonk Rock n’ Roll Steakhouse and more. News about Garth, including stadium tour updates, at https://garthbrooks.com @ garthbrooks

Gibson News:

The Les Paul Foundation, whose mission includes honoring and sharing the life, spirit and legacy of Les Paul has launched “Les Paul Thru the Lens,” an exclusive traveling gallery of photos highlighting the life and career of Les Paul, the inventor, musician and icon.

The Les Paul Thru the Lens exhibit features twenty-four gallery matted and framed black and white photographs chronicling Les’ life from a small child to his later career. It includes rare personal family photos, Les behind-the-scenes, famous musicians and photos of the man with a larger-than-life sense of humor and an amazing curiosity for innovation. Guests of the exhibits can follow along while viewing each photograph on the web-initiated story lines for each rare image. From Les’ time inventing in his famous Hollywood garage studio to his popular Reality TV show and appearances with Mary Ford, the exhibit provides fans with the opportunity to see Les like never before. Stops on the tour include the NAMM Show, Anaheim, CA, June 3-5, 2022 and the Musicians’ Hall of Fame, Nashville, TN, July 1 – Sept 30, 2022. Updates at https://www.facebook.com/ OfficialLesPaul and @LesPaulOfficial

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Indie News:

Lauded by Rolling Stone as “a tough-girl with vocals that swell, yell and sometimes recall the gritty badassery of Amy Winehouse,” Meghan Linsey unleashes her powerful, blues-driven single, “If You Need Me Don’t,” available everywhere now.

American Songwriter exclusively premiered a first listen to the track, noting it “lands somewhere between an Americana-steeped singer-songwriter and full-bodied soul singer,” while People.com premiered the music video which “embodies female empowerment.” Gibson Guitars sponsored Linsey’s single release event on March 17 at their innovative new showroom in Nashville. During the release party, Gibson helped Linsey raise money for The Roots of Music non-profit organization in her hometown of New Orleans. A portion of the profits from her single will be donated to The Roots of Music, which helps underprivileged students have access to music education, academic support and mentorship. More about Meghan Linsey at http://www.meghanlinsey.com and Twitter and Instagram @meghanlinsey

Industry News:

Formed in Derby, England circa 2012 with a recent creative surge in Los Angeles, The Struts have signed to leading independent record label Big Machine Label Group, a subsidiary of HYBE America. The tongue-in-cheek swagger of singer Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies joins Big Machine Records wide-ranging roster — superstar Sheryl Crow, renegade poet Ray Wylie Hubbard, Metal slinger John 5, charttopping act Badflower, supercharged hit maker Ayron Jones and electrifying rockers Starcrawler. Influenced by a mix of Queen flair and Oasis audacity, their name was born from a rehearsal observation as Spiller innately strut around the room as they performed in their earliest days. Since, they have found themselves massively embraced by some of the greatest icons in Rock & Roll history, opening for Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe. Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta shares, “I’ve always loved this band’s sound and swagger and Luke is one of the best front men in Rock.” More at https://thestruts.com.

Label News: (BMLG)

Riley Green fans nationwide can now take the experience of his headline tour home with the release of We Out Here: Live via BMLG Records. Stream/listen at https:// rileygreen.lnk.to/ WeOutHereLivePR.

“We’ve seen our biggest and loudest crowds so far on this tour, and to thank all the fans who have come out, we recorded one of the nights for them,” says Riley. “Can’t wait for y’all to hear it.” As more dates are added to his We Out Here Tour, including a stop at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on July 3 to kick off one of the largest Independence Day weekends in the country, the Alabamaraised singer/songwriter is set to deliver those same concert vibes to playlists. The stripped-down version fittingly opens with “Different ‘Round Here” before diving into fan favorites like “If It Wasn’t For Trucks” and “Georgia Time,” plus his Platinum-certified No. 1 “There Was This Girl.” For more information on upcoming and recently-added tour dates visit https://www.rileygreenmusic.com and @RileyGreenMusic

album Star-Crossed that included songs about her personal journey since her divorce and her 2018 hit album Golden Hour. In an interview with Time, Musgraves said, “I have been told ‘no’ a lot in terms of something that I would want to take a creative risk on. “I decided I’d rather go down in flames for something I really believe in than present a watered-down version of myself that may make me more money. You have to fight that until you can get to a place where you can have total creative freedom, and I’m getting there.” Musgraves’ song “Camera Roll” received nominations in both Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance categories for this year’s Grammy Awards, scheduled for April 3. More at https:// www.kaceymusgraves.com and @KaceyMusgraves #Kacey Musgraves

Music Video News:

Music Icon News:

Captured at Woodstock, New York’s Levon Helm Studios in the summer of 2011, ANTI- Records announced the May 20, 2022 release of ‘Carry Me Home’, a new album that showcases the music of Mavis Staples and Levon Helm, two of the past century’s most iconic voices who came together in love and joy, tracing their shared roots and celebrating the enduring power of faith and music. Watch and listen to their version of “You Got To Move” that also features footage of Mavis and Levon rehearsing together Neither Staples nor Helm knew that this would be their last performance together—the collection marks one of Helm’s final recordings before his death—and listening back now, a little more than a decade later, tunes like “This May Be The Last Time” and “Farther Along” take on new, bittersweet meaning. The result is an album that’s at once a time capsule and a memorial, a blissful homecoming and a fond farewell, a once-in-a-lifetime concert—and friendship—preserved for the ages. Listen/pre-order Carry Me Home and see Mavis Staples tour updates at https://mavisstaples.com.

Music Row News:

Kacey Musgraves has been named to Time magazine’s Women of the Year list that honors twelve leaders that help to create a more equal world. Time hosted an invitationonly gala on International Women’s Day, March 8, in Los Angeles. In 2021 Musgraves released her

Country supergroup Texas Hill has released an official music video for “Heaven Down Here,” the title track from their debut album which dropped earlier this year. The visual made its world premiere exclusively with Heartland Network and features an intimate mix of live performance and behind-the-scenes moments from their album release show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl.

“We shot this music video at our album release show back in January,” said group member Craig Wayne Boyd. “It was the first song in the set, and you can tell by the looks on our faces… getting to celebrate our first album together with family and friends in the audience was as close to ‘Heaven Down Here’ as it gets.” Heaven Down Here includes previously released tunes from their self-titled debut EP plus five new tracks. The trio first began writing and performing together in 2019 and announced the band publicly in June of 2020 via Billboard. Since then, Texas Hill has found a fan in anyone that takes the time to listen. Info, music and tour info at https://www.texashillofficial.com.

NSAI News:

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Board of Directors is welcoming newly elected member Jamie Moore to begin his two-year term.

Current board members who were re-elected to an additional twoyear term include: Steve Bogard, Jeff Cohen, Chris DeStefano, J.T. Harding, Byron Hill, Josh Kear, Jon Nite, Liz Rose, Jenn Schott and Emily Shackelton. Roger Brown and Lee Thomas Miller were re-elected to one-year terms as “Legislative Co-Chairs,” Rhett Akins and Caitlyn Smith were re-elected to one-year terms to the “Artist Writer” board positions and Brett James was re-elected to a one-year term to the “Industry Liaison” position. They are joined by existing board members Kelly Archer, Sarah Buxton, Corey Crowder, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tim Nichols, Josh Osborne, Rivers

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Rutherford, Anthony Smith, Sharon Vaughn, Laura Veltz and Troy Verges who all have one year remaining on their term. Jamie Moore is a four-time Grammy nominated songwriter and producer from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Jamie honed his craft as a multi-instrumentalist and soon after he arrived in Nashville, began rising to the top of Nashville’s songwriting community with a catalog of multi-genre hits. More about NSAI at http://www. nashvillesongwriters.com.

Number One News:

Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley took “Beers On Me” to the top of Mediabase/ Country Aircheck Singles chart and Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in mid-April, notching his 21st career No. One.

Joining forces and voices with rising country hotshots BRELAND and HARDY, ahead of launching his Beers On Me Tour with special guests Ashley McBryde and Travis Denning, kicking off June 3rd in Wilmington, NC. Bentley’s Seven Peaks Music Festival will once again return this Labor Day Weekend, September 2-4, in a new scenic setting of San Luis Valley in Villa Grove, CO, with passes on sale to the general public at sevenpeaksfestival.com. “From start to finish this song was a true collaboration, and to do it with BRELAND and HARDY really means a lot,” Bentley said. “They both bring something that’s so needed in Country music right now and can’t thank the fans and Country radio enough for embracing this one. I’m lucky to have gotten a chance to work with these two and it’s cool to be able to celebrate BRELAND’s first number one song - as an artist and songwriter - with him.”

Stuart, Travis Tritt, Trisha Yearwood and more. Tickets for the “Opry Loves The ‘90s” exhibit, Grand Ole Opry and backstage tours are sale now at (615) 871-OPRY and https://www.opry.com/ opry-loves-the-90s/.

Podcast News:

Grammy Award-winning entertainer Kristian Bush and CMA Award-winning Country music journalist Cindy Watts have teamed to present “52 – The Podcast.” The pair will explore the parallel between one of the popular songs from Kristian’s back catalog and a new track from his four-volume release 52, whose first installment 52 – ATL X BNA landed March 25.

The multi-instrumentalist offers insight into the songwriting process, his day-to-day life and the musical journey that took Kristian from his hometown of Sevierville, TN to Atlanta, Nashville and around the world as part of his various bands, including MultiPlatinum-selling super duo Sugarland. “The only thing better than listening to music is listening to music with someone else,” Kristian said. “I met Cindy years ago — me writing songs and her writing about songs. Somewhere along the way, we discovered we were both from the same tiny hometown and have been friends ever since. This podcast is like the liner notes I always wish I had, with the person that I always wished had written them.” More at https://kristianbush.com. @kristianbush

Radio News:

The “Opry Loves The ‘90s” celebration kicks off on May 16 and runs through the end of 2022.

Country music legend and soonto-be fifty-six year member of the Grand Ole Opry®, Jeannie Seely, has announced the release to radio of her collaborative single, “So Far, So Good.” Longtime friends, The Whites (Sharon and Cheryl White) join Seely on the recording which is being promoted to radio by PCL Music Promotions, Lynne Connelly and Jan Woods. The Texas Swing tune is the latest single off Ms. Seely’s highlyacclaimed album An American Classic on Curb Records. “So Far, So Good” was co-written by Penn Pennington and Mitch Ballard and was produced by Don Cusic. Download and listen to “So Far, So Good” at https://smarturl.it/ Sofarsogoodjs.

“With ‘Opry Loves The ‘90s,’ we’re excited to celebrate a formative decade that made an impact on country music that will be felt forever thanks to the influence of artists known now by just one name: Garth, Trisha, Vince, Reba and Shania, among many more,” said Dan Rogers, Grand Ole Opry Vice President/Executive Producer.

“This song has been in the back of my mind since Penn Penington played it for me about eight years ago,” expressed Jeannie Seely. “I cannot tell you how happy I am to finally record it, and even more excited to hear it on the air, thanks to Curb Records and my great promotion team!” Keep up with all things Jeannie Seely at www.jeannieseely.com

Tour updates and music at www.Dierks.com.

Opry News:

The Grand Ole Opry® will celebrate ‘90s Country Music with a limited-time “Opry Loves The ‘90s” experience, including a new interactive tour exhibition, special in-show Opry programming, ‘90s-themed Opry Plaza Parties and surprise artist collaborations honoring one of the most celebrated decades in country music.

Featured displays include iconic stage wear and artifacts representing career milestone moments and performances from Opry members Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Terri Clark, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Lorrie Morgan, Marty

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Single News:

Porter Howell – one of the founding members of Little Texas – took advantage of the downtime caused by the pandemic to focus on his songwriting.

“I probably wrote 40 songs by myself in 2020 alone,” Howell acknowledges. “Initially I was saving them for other people,” he explains, either with a cowriter in mind to help finish them or for a particular artist to record. But with some encouragement from his longtime partner and family, Howell slowly started making demos, “and I came to realize there was a personal angle to this particular group of songs.” That particular group of songs became This Town Was, Howell’s first side project as a singer/songwriter. In a review for Billboard.com, Jessica Nicholson tabbed the title track “an ode to the ever-changing ways of Nashville”. The video and single have just been released ahead of the 10-track album. Anyone who knows Nashville’s history will be drawn to the authenticity of the heartfelt lyrics as Howell soulfully sings about how the town he grew up in professionally has changed so much.

Song News:

Breakout singer/songwriter and RECORDS Nashville artist Chris Bandi released a brand-new song “Carolina Blue,” in March. Written by Bandi along with Matt Willis and Jason Massey, the nostalgic tune is available across all platforms at https://chrisbandi.lnk. to/CarolinaBlue.

“‘Carolina Blue’ was one of the first writes that we did over Zoom after the world shut down,” shares Bandi. “There are very few things in life that can take you back to a certain place or time. It could be a song that brings you back to 18 hanging out with your best friends or a white Jeep that reminds you of an ex. This song is about seeing that certain shade of blue that always brings back the memory of a flame that burnt out too soon.” Produced by Ash Bowers and Bandi, the track follows recently released “Probably At A Bar” and follows the touching musical tribute to his late grandfather, “Would Have Loved Her.” Chris Bandi is poised for his breakthrough in country music. Check chrisbandi.com/ for information and follow him on social media @chrisbandi.

Trio News:

Having released an EP last summer, Midland’s Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach and Jess Carson are on the verge of arriving at their ultimate destination with The Last Resort: Greetings From on May 6 via Big Machine Records. The trio spent the pandemic exploring their creative depths, from progressive

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Country that grew out of “Urban Cowboy” through Dwight Yoakam’s post-traditionalism, and arrive with their third studio album.

Nashville, Tenn. at Bridgestone Arena on Friday, Oct. 28. Martina McBride will join as a very special guest on select dates. Fans can sign up for pre-sale ticket access at https://www.thejudds.com.

As Midland’s “Sunrise Tells The Story” (stream/download at https://midland.lnk.to/STTSPR) rises at Country radio, the two-time Grammy® nominees dial in their Laurel Canyon-cumBakersfield sound for a tension that also promises release. Falling harder than the singer imagined throughout the spicy hook-up song, melting harmonies lean into a more erotically charged proposition. “It’s a buckle-polishing song,” bassist/vocalist Duddy says, cutting to the chase.

“The fans have always been my family of choice. I love them dearly, so I’m chompin’ at the bit to belt out our hits and reconnect with them once again. The cherry on top is singing with my beloved, wild and extremely talented daughter… the best singer of any genre, Wynonna! She asked me if I was still going to twist, twirl and crack jokes. I answered, “Heck yeah! I’m too old to grow up now!” Naomi shared.

“Some songs dance all around it, but the truth is really told when the sun comes up. We’ve never shied away from getting into the high grass when it comes to the way sex and romantic adventure are a big piece of what Country music was, and we think should be. But sometimes, the hunter gets captured by the game.” More at https://www.midlandofficial.com.

Tour News:

28x GRAMMY Award-winner Chris Stapleton will extend his “All-American Road Show” tour, produced by Live Nation, with newly confirmed shows at Tuscaloosa’s Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, Orange Beach’s The Wharf Amphitheater, Gilford’s Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (two nights) and Houston’s Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

Among many additional dates: “A Concert for Kentucky”—a special performance was held at University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field on April 23. The concert was the first ever held at UK’s Kroger Field and featured special guests Willie Nelson and Family, Sheryl Crow and Madeline Edwards. 100% of the concert’s net proceeds will benefit Stapleton’s Outlaw State of Kind Hometown Fund. See below for complete tour itinerary. The performances add to another triumphant year for Stapleton, who won three awards at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards: Best Country Album (Starting Over), Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”) and Best Country Song (“Cold”). See https://www.chrisstapleton.com for tour updates and tickets. @chrisstapleton GRAMMY®-winning iconic duo, The Judds, will set out on their first tour in over a decade, The Final Tour. The 10-date arena tour, produced by Sandbox Live and Live Nation, kicks off on Friday, Sept. 30 in Grand Rapids, Mich. at Van Andel Arena, making stops in Toledo, Green Bay, Fort Worth, and more before concluding in

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

“What I’m looking forward to most is celebrating Judd music with the fans. Mom and I have had quite the journey over the last 38 years, and the fans have been with us through it all. This tour is a celebration for them!” said Wynonna. The Judds, one of the most successful duos in country music history, made a triumphant return to the CMT Music Awards stage, performing their international hit and chart-topping single, “Love Can Build A Bridge” with the iconic landmark of Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame as their background, a nod to the duo’s upcoming 2022 induction.

TV News:

their comfort zone.

Lauren Alaina and Craig Morgan are among the celebs who are going “Beyond the Edge” In the new CBS-TV reality series of that name that premiered in March. The show features nine celebrities trading their worlds of luxury to live in the dangerous jungles of Panama, where they face off in epic adventures and endure the most brutal conditions, as they push themselves to go far beyond

From the producers of “Naked and Afraid,” participants in “Beyond the Edge” must rely on teamwork, perseverance and finding the inner strength they never knew they possessed to get them through another day and raise money for their chosen charities. It is available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Showtime sports announcer Mauro Ranallo hosts. Alaina and Morgan are joined by Super Bowl MVP Ray Lewis, NBA champion Metta World Peace, super model Paulina Porizkova, NFL legend Mike Singletary, actress Jodie Sweetin (“Full House,” “Fuller House”) and television personalities Colton Underwood (“The Bachelor”) and Eboni K. Williams (“The Real Housewives of New York City”). Show details at https://www. cbs.com/shows/beyond-the-edge/.

WWWebsites To Check Out:

www.cmaworld.com | www.namm.org | www.cdxcd.com

Who’s Looking * Who’s Cutting:

Chasity Bailey, Caylee Hammack, Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch and Keith Urban.

Nashville Area’s Newest Venue Timberhawk Hall To Offer Elevated Live Music Experience Through Bespoke Surroundings And Fine Tuned Sound

A grand combination of bona fide music lovers, audio geekery, and century-old materials is driving the creation and construction of Madison, Tennessee’s new performance venue, Timberhawk Hall. In other words, the team behind this new endeavor set out to do it right. Scheduled to open in early 2023, this purpose-built concert hall has been meticulously crafted for the enjoyment of both fans and musicians alike with a world-class sound system, thoughtfully designed artist and crew spaces, and a long-loved Nashville talent buyer filling its schedule. While the finest materials went into building the Timberhawk space, community engagement is the beating heart of the venue’s mission. The venue sourced local talent of all kinds—artists, engineers, makers, hospitality specialists—to make the Timberhawk experience one that will give everyone involved lifelong memories of truly singular concerts and events. “The most rewarding part of working Timberhawk has been seeing how a project can have the opportunity and the potential to affect the community, and be a part of that community,” President and Co-Founder Fred Kennedy says. “It’s amazing to see how important that is to the community, and how much they care.” “The intention we have at Timberhawk Hall is to create a dynamic playground for established and emerging artists, where the whole community feels welcome and can share in this live creation with the artists,” Senior Talent Buyer Santo Pullella says. “We hope the fans feel inspired by their experience and take that energy home with them.”

have been involved in this important neighborhood investment and excited for its official opening.” A passion project through and through, Timberhawk Hall is led by brothers Fred, Duncan, and Patrick Kennedy, lifelong music lovers who made sure no detail went unnoticed during Timberhawk’s design and construction processes. The attention to craft and quality is evident across the venue, which features carefully sourced reclaimed timbers from Montana’s Big Timberworks, custom artwork and installations from Nashville artisans and makers, colored art-glass windows designed by artist Katherine E. Bash (PhD Architecture, MFA Design) of London and produced from Germany’s internationally renowned glass and mosaic studio Mayer of Munich and much more. The campus also boasts a green beer garden and adjacent two story green room, where artists and their crews can relax and unwind before and after performances. Maintaining community integrity was central to the development of Timberhawk Hall. Accordingly, Nashville’s Centric Architecture ensured that the main hall—where concerts take place—and its surrounding campus were designed to recall other notable buildings in the Madison area, employing hand-hewn stonework that mirrors the town’s many stone buildings, as well as art and design details that connect Timberhawk to the area’s history as a rail hub.

The name Timberhawk Hall comes in part from those 100-year-old timbers, but also draws inspiration from a chance encounter with Historic Madison, TN, sits a few miles northeast of downtown nature while the venue was being built; while on site one morning, Nashville. The bustling town—just up the road from arts and the site’s General Contractor noticed a hawk perched atop the music hub East Nashville—is home to local businesses, beloved listening hall’s newly built peak. The hawk continues to visit and restaurants, live music and more, with the town’s residential has become something of a representation of the spirit of intention neighborhoods serving as home to many members of the music and for Timberhawk Hall. arts communities. Prior to the venue’s grand opening, the Timberhawk Hall team will Nashville’s Mayor John Cooper echoes the feelings of community be supporting sponsors at several festivals throughout the year, members, saying, “The Timberhawk Hall project provides a starting with MerleFest next week (April 28-May 1st.) first-class venue that will be enjoyed and appreciated across our community, by residents and visitors alike. I’m grateful to all who For more information, please visit timberhawkhall.com.

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Nashville’s

downtown

Music venues

HonkyTonk Central 329 Broadway 615-394-3457 honkytonkcentral.com

Loser’s

111 4th Ave S (615) 736-5050

east nashville

The East Room

Basement East

917 Woodland 615-645-9174 thebasementnashville.com

2412 Gallatin Ave 347-559-6031 facebook.com/theeastroom

3 Crow Bar

5 Spot

1006 Forrest Ave 616-259-9891 the5spotlive.com

1024 Woodland St. 615-262-3345 3crowbar.com

Lipstick Lounge

Ingelwood Lounge 3914 Gallatin Pike (615) 490-6139

1400 Woodland 615-226-6343 thelipsticklounge.com

The Cobra

SoundCheck Nashville 750 Cowan St 615-726-1165 soundchecknashville.com

2511 Gallatin Ave 629-800-2515 facebook.com/the-cobra-nashville

The Family Wash

Queen Ave

626A Main St. 615-645-9930

178 Queen Ave

elliston place Cafe Coco

210 Louise Ave 615-321-2626 cafecoco.com

The End

2219 Elliston Place 615-321-4457 endnashville.com

the gulch

2208 Elliston Place 615-321-3340 exitin.com

Station Inn 12th & Porter Rudy’s Jazz Room 402 12th Ave S 615-255-3307 stationinn.com

114 12th Ave N 615-678-7722 12andporter.com

809 Gleaves 615-988-2458 rudysjazzroom.com

midtown Rebar

1919 Division St 615-345-6298 rebarnashville.com

Winner’s

Hopsmith Tavern

1903 Division St. 615-327-8001 facebook.com/blue.bar.921

1911 Division St 615-327-3115 losersbar.com

The Row

110 Lyle Ave 615-321-1224 therownashville.com

Third Man Records 623 7th Ave S 615-891-4393 thirdmanrecords.com

True Music

118 8th Ave S (The Cambria) cambrianashville.com

Decker & Dryer/L27

FGL House

Barlines

The Listening Room

807 Clark Place (The Westin) 615-248-2800 250 5th Ave S 615-782-5300 barlinesnashville.com

120 3rd Ave fglhouse.com

618 4th Ave S 615-259-3600 listeningroomcafe.com

Cannery-Mercy-HighWatt

3rd & Lindsley

1 Cannery Row 615-251-3020 mercyloung.com

816 3rd Ave N. 615-259-9891 3andlindsley.com

City Winery

609 Lafayette 615-324-1010 citywinery.com/nashville

Schermerhorn

1 Symphony Place 615-687-6500 nashvillesymphony.com

Swinging Doors

111 4th Ace S. 615-736-5050 swingingdoorssaloon.com

Country Music Hall of Fame 222 5th Ave S 615-416-2001 countrymusichalloffame.com

Flying Saucer

111 10th Ave S 615-259-3039 beernurd.com

115 27th Ave N 615-862-8431 thespringwater.com

110 28th Ave N 615-320-4339 localnash.com

Crossroads

greater nashville

Back Alley Diner

Marathon Music Works Maxwell House Nashville Underground 1402 Clinton 2025 Rosa L Parks Blvd

120 2nd Ave N 615-401-2580 whiskeybentsaloon.com

2613 West End Ave 615-327-4707 debichampion.com

green hills Blue Bird Cafe 4104 Hillsboro Rd 615-383-1416 bluebirdcafe.com

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

501 Broadway 615-770-2000 bridgestonearena.com

409 Broadway facebook.com/nudieshonkytonk nudieshonkytonk.com 419 Broadway 615-650-9333 crossroadsbar.com

hillsboro village

2101 Belcourt Ave 615-383-9140 belcourt.com

217 Arcade Alley 615-251-3003 backalleydiner.com

105 Broadway 615-964-3000 nashunderground.com

615-891-1781 marathonmusicworks.com

The Frist

Bootleggers Inn

44 Hurricane Mills Rd 931-296-2800 lorettalynn.com

Fiddle & Steel

Benchmark

Hard Rock Cafe

Puckett’s

919 Broadway 615-244-3340 fristcenter.com

100 Broadway 615-871-6779 hardrockcafe.com

Tin Roof Broadway

207 Broadway 615-457-3983 bootleggersnashville.com

117 2nd Ave N 615-742-8887 benchmarknashville.com

500 Church St. 615-770-2772 pucketttsgrocery.com/nashville

Lonnie’s Western Room

316 Broadway 615-242-4446 tinroofbroadway.com

208 Printers Alley 615-215-1122 lonnieswesternroom.com

Legends Corner

Ms Kelli’s

428 Broadway 615-248-6334 lengendscorner.com

220 Printers Alley 615-242-5837 bourbonstreetbluesandboogiebar.com

207 Printers Alley 615-255-4423 mskellis.com

Skull’s Ranbow Room 222 Printers Alley 615-810-9631 skullsrainbowroom.com

Ri’chard’s Cafe

CabaRay

5724 River Rd. 615-327-4630 raystevenscabray.com

The Sutler

Santa’s Pub

south nashville 2600 Franklin Pk 615-840-6124 thesutler.com

The Basement

2025 8th Ave S 615-269-0221 zanienash.com

1604 8th Ave S 615-254-4801 grimeys.com

Zanie’s Comedy Club Grimey’s

Adventure Science Center 800 Fort Negley 615-862-5160 adventuresci.org

Ryman Auditorium

Layla’s Bluegrass Inn

Second Fiddle

Rippy’s

The Stage

Scoreboard

Crazytown

TPAC

Music City Bar & Grill

308 Broadway 615-254-5460 facebook.com/crazytownnashville

TN Repertory Theatre

422 Broadway 615-726-0463 tootsies.com

Wild Horse Saloon

120 2nd Ave N 615-251-1000 wildhorsesaloon.com

The George Jones

421 Broadway 615-678-4808 ajsgoodtimebar.com

Margaritaville

322 Broadway 615-208-9080 margaritavillenashville.com

Ole Red

300 Broadway 629-203-7822 olered.com

412 Broadway 615-726-0504 thestageonbroadway.com 505 Dedick St 615-255-2787 tpac.com

The Valentine

312 Broadway 615-202-6979 thevalentinenashville.com

Douglas Corner

2106 8th Ave S 615-298-1688 douglascorner.com

Municipal Auditorium

429 Broadway 615-244-7477 rippysbarandgrill.com

2225 Brandsford Ave 615-593-1872 santaspub.com

1604 8th Ave S 615-254-8006 thebasementnashville.com

416 Broadway 615-244-9552 robertswesternworld.com

420 Broadway 615-248-4818 theﬁddle.com

8400 Hwy 100 615-646-9700 lovelesscafe.com

4420 Whites Creek Pike 615-299-9590

Robert’s Western World

418 Broadway 615-726-2799 facebook.com/laylasbluegrassinn

615-259-4343 milleniumhotels.com

Loretta Lynn Ranch

301 Broadway lukes32bridge.com

116 5th Ave N 615-889-3060 ryman.com

Belcourt Taps

2117 Belcourt Ave 615-915-3622 belcourttaps.com

Loveless Cafe

Luke’s 32 Bridge

AJ’s Good Time Bar

Springwater The Local Commodore

Live Oak

1530 Demonbreun (615) 866-9716

Whiskey Bent

305 Broadway 615-747-9078

128 2nd Ave N 615-818-0128 georgejones.com

west end

1516 Demonbreun 615-313-7103 tinroofbars.com

Belcourt Theatre

Tootsie’s

601 4th Ave S 615-843-4001 rocketown.com

Tin Roof

Nudie’s Honky Tonk

161 Rains Ave 615-244-4878 tennesseerep.com

Rockettown

1538 Demonbreun 615-864-7393 dawghousesaloon.com

Tequila Cowboys

417 4th Ave N 615-862-6390 nashvilleauditorium.com

sobro

Acme Feed & Seed

101 Broadway 615-915-0888 theacmenashville.com

Dawghouse Saloon

Bridgestone Arena

311 Broadway jasonaldeansnashville,com

Bourbon Street Blues Bar

Loser’s

1913 Division St 615-340-0004 losersbar.com

221 Broadway 615-248-2706 facebook.com/bigasshonkytonk

Jason Aldean’s

210 Printers Alley 615-251-9002 ﬁddleandsteel.com

Exit/In

demonbruen Kid Rock’s

Miss Jeanne’s Dinner Theater 600 9th Ave S 615-902-9566 missjeannes.com

opryland Gaylord Opryland

2800 Opryland Dr 615-889-1000 gaylordhotels.com

2408 Music Valley Dr. 615-883-3866 scoreboardbar.net

2416 Music Valley Dr 615-883-2367 musiccitybar.com

Grand Ole Opry

2804 Opryland Dr 615-871-6779 opry.com

John A’s

2421 Music Valley Dr 615-885-1540 johnasresturant.com

Nashville Palace

2611 McGavock Pk 615-884-3004 nashvillepalace.net

Nashville Nightlife

2620 Music Valley Dr 615-885-5201 nashvillenightlife.com

Musician’s Hall of Fame

sylvan park

Famous Saloon

4425 Murphy Rd. 615-942-5052 neighborssylvanpark.com

301 6th Ave S 615-244-3263 musicianhalloffame.com 110 2nd Ave N 615-933-5000 famoussaloon.com

Neighbors

Blue Moon

525 Basswood Ave 615-356-6666 bluemoongrille.com

Big Shotz

115 2nd Ave N 615-244-9011 bigshotznashville.com

Redneck Riviera

208 Broadway 615-436-4070 redneckrivieranashville.com

Whiskey Row

400 Broadway 629-203-7822 dierkswhiskeyrow.com

Mellow Mushroom

423 Broadway 615-454-4990 mellowmushroom.com

If you would like to list your venue, please submit your information to editor@nashvillemusicguide.com | ATTN: Music Venue Submission

macandcheesefestival.com JUNE 4TH, 2022 FIRST HORIZON PARK

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Nashville Music Guide Summer Issue 2022 Vol 30 Issue 202

Articles inside

Porter Howell Chris Bandi Midland

Chris Stapleton The Judds Beyond the Edge Who’s Looking/Cutting 56 Music Venues

Dierks Bentley Opry News 52 - The Podcast Jeannie Seely

Garth Brooks Les Paul & Gibson Meghan Linsey The Struts

Riley Green Levon Helm & Mavis Staples Kacey Musgraves Texas Hill NSAI News

CreatiVets Memorial for Jeff Carson Black Keys North to Nashville

Chris Tomlin Walker Hayes CD Baby DIY Conf. Criag Campbell

Frankie Justin

Country with Heart Loretta Lynn The Isaacs Craig Morgan

Morgan Wallen Americanafest Gene Watson Jason Aldean

Dakota Poorman

Gavin Lee

Alyssa Bonagura

Bonnaroo 2022

Alex Miller

CMA Fest 2022

Music Biz Conference

Hangout 2022

Immersive Van Gogh Nashville

Tennessee Renaissance Festival & History of Castell Gwynn

Iroquois Steeplechase

Miranda Lambert Chris Stapleton

Tanya Tucker Elvie Shane

David Frizzell Don McLean

Cali Tucker Williams Honor

Molly Lovette Madison Station Emily Blackbird Andrea Vasquez Tommy Townsend

Allie Colleen Clay Aery Deborah Allen Alannah McCready Donovon Chapman

Dave Wilbert

Nashvillains Juna N Joey Makenzie Phipps Shenandoah CJ Solar John Berry

Dallas Remington JD Shelburne Shane Owens Exile Ben Gallaher Whiskey on the Rocks

Tin Pan South Recap

Editor’s Letter

Kyle English Tori Martin Manny Blu Brian Callihan Paulina Jayne Noah Guthrie