Whiskey Jam Celebrates a Monumental Milestone: 1,000 Shows-and-Counting

Whiskey Jam, Nashville's premier original live independent music series, celebrated its 1,000th show last night (Monday, Nov. 25) in downtown Nashville at Whiskey Row, marking over a decade of elevating the best and brightest in country music. Since its inception in January 2011, Whiskey Jam has become a cornerstone of the music industry, fostering the careers of artists who have collectively achieved:
 
        450 No. 1 Songs
        129 ACM Awards
        92 CMA Awards
        36 Grammy Awards
        10 Grand Ole Opry Inductions
 
This milestone was celebrated with an unforgettable lineup of performers, featuring Dierks Bentley, Zach Top, Ella Langley, Dasha, Dylan Marlowe, Alana Springsteen, Graham Barham, Zach John King and Jojo DiSilva. Held at its iconic home, Whiskey Jam brought together a crowd of fans, industry leaders and artists who have all played a part in its storied legacy.
 
“The first time I played Whiskey Jam …I got a record deal out of it,” Zach Top reflected on stage during his third Whiskey Jam appearance last night. “Thank you to Ward and everybody that helped put this thing on for giving artists like me – and everybody who’s been on this stage tonight – a chance to come out and play a show. It’s been a success story for a lot of artists and the folks here tonight are a representation of that.”

“I played Whiskey Jam for the first time earlier this year when my album dropped and I was so excited to get the call from Ward to join the 1,000th show,” Dasha adds. “Whiskey Jam is iconic in this town. All your favorite country artists have played that stage and I’m so honored I got to be a part of such a special night.” 
 
What began as a Monday night gathering in a small Midtown dive bar has grown into an integral part of Nashville’s music culture. Whiskey Jam’s stage has become a proving ground for artists at all stages of their careers — from newcomers to chart-toppers. It is where fans have discovered their favorite voices and where artists have refined their craft live.
 
Over the years, Whiskey Jam performers have reached remarkable heights. Alumni of the series have earned accolades across the music world, proving that the Whiskey Jam stage is not just a venue — it’s a launching pad.
 
“When Whiskey Jam started, it was all about getting together with friends to share our music in an exceptionally fun environment,” said Whiskey Jam Founder, Ward Guenther. “It’s grown in ways we never could have imagined and that’s really a testament to our incredible and supportive creative community.” 
 
As Whiskey Jam looks ahead to its next 1,000 shows, the focus remains the same: championing great music, fostering community, and creating moments that matter in the lives of artists and fans alike.

Whiskey Jam Founder, Ward Guenther, and Dierks Bentley at WJ1K on Monday, November 25, 2024. | Photo Credit: Ryan Kinder

About Whiskey Jam:
Founded in January 2011, Whiskey Jam is a Nashville-based live music series that has hosted over 1,000 shows and provided a platform for thousands of artists. Known for its dynamic blend of emerging talent and household names, Whiskey Jam is a celebrated staple of Nashville’s vibrant music scene. For more information, visit whiskeyjam.com or follow on social media at @whiskeyjam.

Revered Rose Garden Marines To Hold Reunion In Nashville June 23 - 27

A special bond formed more than 50 years ago is a key reason for the biannual reunions over the last two decades of U.S. Marines who were stationed at a remote air base in Thailand during the Vietnam War. These heroic men—whose efforts contributed to ending the war—conducted covert operations under the code name “Rose Garden,” leading to their base being dubbed the “MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) Rose Garden.” 

The term “rose garden” is an ironic reference to the world-famous Lynn Anderson song, “I Beg Your Pardon (I Never Promised You a Rose Garden),” which led to one of the most iconic recruitment campaigns in the Marine Corp’s history, forever linking country music superstar Anderson with the Marines. 

From the late ‘60s to early ‘70s, Anderson became the first country music female regularly singing on nationally syndicated TV (PBS’s The Lawrence Welk Show) and the first to perform on The Tonight Show. She was honored with every coveted music accolade available, including an American Music Award, two Academy of Country Music awards and one Country Music Association award, all as a female vocalist, as well as a Grammy. In 1974, Anderson became the unofficial ambassador for the U.S. Marine Corps when ‘We Don’t Promise You a Rose Garden’ was launched as the Corps’ official recruitment slogan. A special bond all these years later has remained between Anderson (who died of a heart attack in 2015 at age 67), her family and these Marines. 

The Rose Garden Marines, with Anderson in attendance, held their first reunion in 2004 and have been doing so every other year since (though 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic). While in Nashville, Lisa Sutton—Anderson’s daughter, with former 27-time BMI songwriting award-winner Glenn Sutton (who produced Anderson’s signature tune and was a fixture on Music Row until his death in 2007)—will serve as their host. 

More than 60 Marines who are planning to attend the Nashville reunion with their families will have the opportunity to visit The Lynn Anderson Rose Garden at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, created in 2018 and consisting of over 100 “Lynn Anderson” hybrid tea roses. They will also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, enjoy time at Teddy's Tavern on 5th Ave., attend a “Nashville and the Civil War” presentation at the Devil Dog Den and will gather for the Rose Garden Marines Banquet (to be held at The Inn at Opryland Hotel).  Other events are taking a ride on the Music City Rollin’ Jamboree comedy bus tour + the Nashville Jubilee show at Troubadour Nashville.  On June 25th they will attend the live broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry, with a special tribute to Lynn Anderson.

“It has been fascinating listening and learning from these men,” says Sutton, who traveled to Thailand with several Rose Garden marines to visit the MCAS Rose Garden in 2019. “Traveling with them and representing Mom to them, has been an honor.”

Sutton adds that “There’s speculation on exactly when and how the base came to be called the Rose Garden, but my favorite story tells how a higher up landed in a chopper at the makeshift air base. As he came off the bird into the sweltering heat of the jungle and growled, ‘Where in the hell am I?’ A sharp-tongued private, never missing a beat, shouted, ‘Welcome to the Rose Garden, Sir!’ He’d apparently seen the recruitment campaigns when he enlisted and seized the opportunity to punctuate the irony​.”



One of the Marines attending the reunion includes a NASA astronaut and two current Tennessee residents (David Morgan of Kingston and Ron Howington of Culleoka).  71-year-old Harold (“Harry”) Delamater, a former Beacon, New York, police officer, will be made available to the media for questions. Delamater has volunteered his time as the treasurer of the Rose Garden Marine reunions since their inception in 2004.

Saliva Guitarist, Wayne Swinny, Immortalized in Nashville at the Hard Rock Cafe with Permanent Display

On Sunday, October 29th, the iconic Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee proudly unveiled a permanent exhibit dedicated to honoring the extraordinary guitarist, Wayne Swinny, a cherished member of the renowned rock band Saliva. The event was graced with the presence of Wayne's loving family, devoted friends, and fellow band members, creating an unforgettable moment of musical tribute and celebration of Wayne's life.

"Wow, what can I say about this? A permanent display in Hard Rock Cafe, Nashville, TN!! Amazed…Proud…Honored…are just a few words I can think of. I have always been so proud of you…your amazing talent and kindness towards everyone you met. Now everyone who sees your display will “know” you and understand what you mean to all of us who love and miss you so very much. Happy 60th Birthday in Heaven little brother (10/31/2023). I love you!" states Linda Swinny Hanson, Wayne's sister.

The display is located at Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, 100 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201.

Family, Crew and Band Members at the Unveiling on Sunday

The Saliva family is still mourning the tragic loss of our brother Wayne Swinny. Wayne left us suddenly from a spontaneous brain hemorrhage on March 22, 2023. Wayne fought hard, but ultimately lost his battle.

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

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John Corabi (Motley Crue/ The Dead Daisies) To Headline G4L Records Cancer Benefit Show #1 Oct 17th at The Eighth Room Nashville

John Corabi (Motley Crue/ The Dead Daisies) To Headline

G4L Records Cancer Benefit Show #1 for "Elizabeth & Chris" on Oct 17th at The Eighth Room Nashville

Also Starring Anthony Corder (Tora Tora) and Blevins Vox
(13 South)

With Host Mark “Gus” Scott (Trixter)

Legendary performer John Corabi headlines an incredible lineup for G4L Records Cancer Benefit Show #1 for "Elizabeth & Chris" on October 17th in Nashville at The Eighth Room. John will be performing songs from his Motley Crue days including hits such as “Hooligan’s Holiday”; The Dead Daisies’ “Dead and Gone"; “Man in the Moon”, and ”Love (I Don’t Need It Anymore)”. Tora Tora’s Anthony Corder will be performing his hits including “Walkin’ Shoes” and “Guilty”. 13 South’s Chris Blevins will be performing his 2023 Josie Award Nominated “Rock Songwriting Song of the Year” “Mississippi Way”.

"The idea for the show came from G4L Records Founder, Markus Muller-Stach. He began developing the event while his wife was in her battle with Stage 4 Breast Cancer as a way to honor her, give her a night of great music, brighten up her day, raise money to fund an end of life trip and pay for cancer related bills. Sadly, during production Elizabeth passed," says John Corabi.

The event has grown to include artist and friend Chris Blevins who is also battling cancer, performing, and co-producing the event.

Markus Muller-Stach adds, “I’m excited to move forward with this event. It’s been very therapeutic to work on. The last 3 ½ years of my wife battling cancer, losing her recently, the impact and all that goes with it has inspired me to help other families that are going through this. So after this show, we will begin working on the next one in Los Angeles and find other cancer patients to honor. Knowing firsthand the pain and suffering a cancer patient and their family go through, all the associated bills, I’m honored to be doing my small part to help cancer warriors in the future. I’m so blessed to have such talented, accomplished, and generous artists help make this idea a reality.”

Purchase G4L Records Cancer Benefit Show #1 Tickets HERE

John Corabi will head back on tour with The Dead Daisies at the end of the month. For Tour & Ticket information, please visit: https://thedeaddaisies.com/

For More Information Please Visit:

www.G4LRecords.com

BBR MUSIC GROUP RECORDING ARTIST TIM MONTANA ANNOUNCES AMERICAN THREAD BENEFIT CONCERT

BBR Music Group recording artist Tim Montana is rallying the troops for his inaugural American Thread benefit concert, set for October 2 at Nashville's City Winery. The special concert event will benefit Special Ops Xcursions, a nonprofit that supports U.S. special operations forces and their families. Montana will headline and is planning for several surprise guest performers.

 

For the past three years, Montana has headed up the American Thread Sporting Clays Shoot in Nashville, drawing celebs who lent their time to help our nation's military heroes. Previous celeb attendees include Charlie Sheen, Colbie Caillat, Travis Pastrana, Lee Brice, Steve Cropper and more. In addition to the concert, Montana will continue his tradition with the fourth annual Tim Montana & Friends American Thread Sporting Clays Shoot, set for October 3 at the Nashville Gun Club. The yearly event has generated nearly one million dollars since its inception.

 

“I’m honored to get to serve those that have served us," says Montana. "Raising money through the American Thread Shoot has been one of the highlights of my life and career and has been life changing to our active duty soldiers, veterans and their families.”

 

“The Tim Montana and Friends American Thread Shoot has helped us impact thousands of special operations family members," explains Special Ops Xcursions executive director Scott Graves. "The funds and awareness raised provides the opportunity for healing to happen in the outdoors! Bottom line, our warriors still in the fight need us and we need them. The world is a better place by this remarkable combination of celebrities and our nations most elite soldiers.”

 

Tickets for the American Threads benefit concert go on-sale this Friday, July 21, via citywinerynashville.com. Pre-sales begin July 19. To sponsor or participate in this year's clays shoot event, visit americanthreadshoot.com.

Photo Credit: Chris Douglas

About Tim Montana:

Chiefly considered a Country rocker, Tim Montana is a true Renaissance man, moonlighting as a TV personality, CDL licensed driver, marksman, father, husband, foodie, hot sauce connoisseur, hell-raiser and businessman. His sound, befitting of the off-the-grid thrill-seeker who grew up without electricity (in where else but Montana), draws influence from the rural lifestyle with a hint of adrenaline. His music has been selected as the theme song for World Series Championship runs, PBR, NHL games, NASCARtelecasts and action movies and has earned him spots opening for Kid Rock, Koe Wetzel, ZZ Top and many more. Now signed to Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group, Tim released his first label album Long Shots in April of 2021 as well as two additional songs in February and already release the six-song follow up, Reno on May 6. The music blends Country with rock electric guitar and influences from the West and embraces hard and fast living, the American experience and the blue-collar way. It is unapologetic, relatable, raw and the most authentically Tim music to date. In addition to acting in movies,starring in his own show, “Tim Montana's Wild Side” on Velocity Outdoor Channel and performing in several acts including the Whisker Brothers alongside ZZ Top’s legendary Billy Gibbons, Tim has also found a great deal of success as a businessman. The Montana native has longstanding partnerships with Ravin, CenterPoint, Crosman, Benjamin, Polaris, Black Rifle Coffee, Fender, Gerber, Indian Motorcycles, K&N, Kicker Performance Audio, Orange Amplifiers, Snap On, Traeger Grills and more in addition to his own ventures, Whisker Bomb, Ol’ Boy Apparrel and Tim Montana’s Vigilante Cigars (with Big Sky Cigars). His second annual Tim Montana & Friends American Thread Sporting Clays Shoot and raised $450,000 for two charities that benefit our military, doubling the amount raised in its first year (and then some).

 

For more information on Tim Montana, visit timmontana.com.

Michael Ray's 5 Spot Surprise: DIVE BARS + BROKEN HEARTS Debuted for Full House

MICHAEL RAY DEBUTS DIVE BARS & BROKEN HEARTS –
 Intimate CMA Music Fest Kick-Off Event Shares Entire EP
6 Songs, 2 #1s and a Whole Lotta Fans at E. Nashville’s The 5 Spot

Photo Credit: Connor Vaughan Morrs

Over the last year, Michael Ray has been honing his craft, focusing his sound and going deeper and deeper into the kind of country music he was raised on in the heart of central Florida. Working with CMA Album of the Year-winning producer Michael Knox, the pair doubled down on a lean, working man’s country sound that pulled traces of Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin, Hank Jr. and Alabama.
 
Thursday night, at East Nashville’s locals mostly The 5 Spot – where Lady Gaga famously kicked off her own Dive Bar Tour in support of her back-to-roots Joanne – the no frills songwriter treated his own fans to the first front-to-back performance of
Dive Bars & Broken Hearts. The six-song EP explores the phases of life, the emotions that define how we live, the reality of where we find ourselves for good times and bad.
 
“I had been wanting a way to play this to the people who’ve been part of my life and my career from the beginning,” says the dark-headed vocalist. “CMA Fest brings country music fans together from not just across North America, but all over the world. So many of my fans come every year, this seemed like the perfect way to debut all this music as a whole collected work without playing favorites and picking a city.”
 
Hunger for his new music was high. Tickets for the intimate rock bar show were gone in less than 18 hours; the fans started lining up before daybreak. With a line down the block and around the corner, spirits were high among those lucky enough to get tickets – and on Knox’s bus were the band, who’d been dropping a few songs into their set, would finally get to put it all together.
 
“Songs on a record are one thing,” Ray said. “But songs in a bar with real people are something else. Not until you get into that room and hear the people do you know. And growing up in Eustis, with my Grandpa working all day, coming home, getting dressed up and heading out to where the music was, I learned the power of that pretty young.”
 
With the teaser tracks “Workin’ On It” and “Get Her Back” drawing the strongest response, as the crowd sang along at full voice, even the unfamiliar songs seemed to hit home. From the opening “Dive Bars & Broken Hearts,” Ray drew the crowd into a world of short-circuiting neon, young bucks acting up in their trucks, heartaches that drive you to drink and the idea that beyond perfection is the happiness of trying to be a better person every single day.
 
Dive Bars & Broken Hearts
is available for pre-order now. Three of the six tracks will be instantly available; June 23, the rest of the project will be completed. For fans of how real life creates great songs and reasons to hang on and get through it, Ray understands. With four chart-toppers of his own, he performed “Think A Little Less” and “Whiskey & Rain” as the cherry on top of the new music sundae. With stops at the Grand Old Opry June 9 and the Warner/Yee-Haw Brewing Co. show June 10, it’s all about getting the music into the hands of the ones who deserve it the most: the fans.

Hit TV Series "NASHVILLE" Kicks off International Reunion Tour in Chicago & Nashville this September

After a five-year hiatus from touring in the United States as a collective, the stars of the iconic, hit television series “NASHVILLE” are returning with shows in Chicago and in Nashville. “NASHVILLE” The Reunion Tour will play Chicago’s Rosemont Theatre on Saturday, September 23 and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Monday, September 25.
 
“NASHVILLE” The Reunion Tour will see stars Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio take to the stage to perform classic songs from the series as well as their own original material. The four artists will play the Ryman Auditorium on September 25, before kicking off a UK run starting on October 11 in Glasgow. Due to overwhelming demand and sold-out shows, additional dates were added to the UK tour, which will also travel to Birmingham, Manchester, London and Cardiff.
 
In a special one-night event, Chris Carmack will join cast members Bowen, Esten, Jackson and Palladio for the concert in Chicago on September 23. Carmack has previously toured with his “NASHVILLE” castmates and currently stars in “Grey’s Anatomy” on ABC. 
 
“NASHVILLE” became a TV phenomenon when it first debuted in 2012. Set against the backdrop of Nashville’s music scene the show followed the lives of Clare Bowen as Scarlett O'Connor, Chris Carmack as Will Lexington, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley and Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott as country music superstars, up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business.
 
The show’s popularity grew instantly reaching over 225 territories worldwide before its final season in 2018. Since its debut, the show has inspired 22 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which collectively sold millions of album units and single-track downloads around the world. “NASHVILLE” was also critically lauded with multiple Emmy®, Golden Globe® and Critics Choice award nominations.
 
The incredible cast of the series carry with them the spirit of Music City and will once again share the stage together to celebrate the magic of “NASHVILLE”.
 
Tickets for Chicago and Nashville go on sale on Friday, April 21 at 10:00 am CST. Ticket information for all US and UK shows can be found at www.nashvillereuniontour.com.

“NASHVILLE” THE REUNION TOUR
 
SAT 23 SEP 2023     CHICAGO, IL - ROSEMONT THEATRE *
MON 25 SEP 2023   NASHVILLE, TN - RYMAN AUDITORIUM
WED 11 OCT 2023   GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEC ARMADILLO
THU 12 OCT 2023    GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEC ARMADILLO – SOLD OUT
FRI 13 OCT 2023     BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND -  RESORTS WORLD ARENA
SAT 14 OCT 2023     MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - O2 APOLLO - MATINEE
SAT 14 OCT 2023     MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - O2 APOLLO – EVENING – SOLD OUT
MON 16 OCT 2023   LONDON, ENGLAND - EVENTIM APOLLO
TUE 17 OCT 2023    LONDON, ENGLAND - EVENTIM APOLLO – SOLD OUT
WED 18 OCT 2023   CARDIFF, WALES - INTERNATIONAL ARENA
 
All tour dates feature Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio.
*Chicago only will also feature Chris Carmack.
 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
CLARE BOWEN - www.clarebowenofficial.com 
Before landing the iconic role of Scarlett O’Connor on the ABC/CMT/Hulu TV series “NASHVILLE”, and launching her career as a singer/songwriter, Clare Bowen was growing up in rural Australia. Bowen heard her first broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry on the wireless in her grandad’s kitchen and soon after, her classical vocal coach paused one of their lessons to comment on the “country lilt” that had naturally crept into Bowen’s voice. It would be another decade before she’d duet with heavyweights like Zac Brown and Vince Gill, recording songs with GRAMMY-winning producers like T-Bone Burnett and Buddy Miller who became her mentors. She released an eponymous album and performed before sold-out crowds in the US, UK, Germany and Australia. She also earned a coveted spot on Sugarland’s “Still The Same” tour and toured live with the “NASHVILLE” cast, selling out London’s The O2.
 
Alongside the spotlight, Clare is no stranger to the darker, more frightening side of the human experience. A pediatric cancer survivor, she was given just two weeks to live upon receiving a shocking cancer diagnosis at age four. With the strength of her family behind her, she survived a grueling chemotherapy regimen and is now known around the world as a beautiful ray of sunshine who leads with her heart, able to communicate and translate emotions whether on stage or on screen.
 
Now half of the duo known as BOWEN * YOUNG, she and her husband, Brandon Robert Young are releasing music that masterfully delves into the depths of ferocious love, heart-breaking loss and steadfast hope. They have dubbed the music “Cinematic Americana”, and their debut album will be released in 2023 while two songs from the project – “Skeletons” and “Dangerous Love” – are already released globally and available everywhere.
 
CHRIS CARMACK - www.chriscarmackmusic.com
Chris Carmack is an accomplished actor, singer-songwriter and musician, starring as Atticus "Link" Lincoln on ABC's award-winning, critically acclaimed drama "Grey's Anatomy." Carmack also starred on "NASHVILLE" as country crooner Will Lexington. Chris has been featured on numerous "NASHVILLE" soundtracks, in addition to performing across the US and the UK on multiple “NASHVILLE in Concert” tours.
 
Carmack's EP, PIECES OF YOU, was written solely by him and produced by GRAMMY Award-winner Ben Fowler (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Phoenix Mendoza. Carmack and his wife and fellow musician, Erin Slaver, have also released an EP and several singles under their band name, Life on Eris.
 
Carmack previously guest starred on popular dramas such as "NCIS," "CSI: NY," "Desperate Housewives," "Smallville," "The O.C." and "CSI: Miami." He was cast as the lead in "The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations" for After Dark Films. Carmack also voiced the role of Garth in the animated Lionsgate feature "Alpha and Omega," along with Justin Long, Dennis Hopper and Danny Glover.
 
CHARLES ESTEN - www.charlesesten.com
Multi-talent Charles Esten is a global entertainer. Best known for his roles as “Ward Cameron” on the Netflix hit show “OUTER BANKS” and “Deacon Claybourne” in ABC/CMT’s “NASHVILLE”, the artist-songwriter sets the tone for the next chapter with “One Good Move” and “A Little Right Now” off his forthcoming debut album. Garnering over 10 MILLION streams to date, Esten is a 2018 Guinness World Records title holder for the “Most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act” after delivering 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks. He’s made over 155 appearances at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry and performed multiple headline tours in the U.S., Germany, Amsterdam, and UK, including at famed venues like Royal Albert Hall. In addition, Esten serves as the National Honorary Spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light The Night Walk, and is a board member and volunteer for Musicians On Call.
 
JONATHAN JACKSON - www.JonathanJackson.com
Jonathan Jackson is a multi-dimensional artist: an author, musician, actor and filmmaker. Jonathan’s life in the arts began as an actor at the age of eleven on General Hospital, where his performances garnered him five EMMY Awards. After many years working in feature films such as Tuck Everlasting and Insomnia, he played Avery Barkley in the renowned drama, “NASHVILLE”, for six seasons.
 
Along with international tours with the “NASHVILLE” Cast, he is the lead singer and songwriter for the band Jonathan Jackson + Enation.
 
His works as an author include, The Harrowing of Hell and The Mystery of Art, which has been translated into Greek, Romanian and Russian. Jonathan was recently named Associate Dean and Primary Lecturer at Theoria School of Filmmaking.
 
Over the course of three decades in Hollywood, his journey as an artist, performer and public speaker has taken him to many places around the world, including the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Romania, Russia, Canada and Greece. He currently resides in Tennessee with his wife Elisa and their three children.
 
SAM PALLADIO - www.sampalladio.co.uk
Sam Palladio grew up in Cornwall in the southwest of England, but it was in Music City, Nashville that Sam got his musical big break playing the role of Gunnar Scott in “NASHVILLE.” Since then, Sam’s been focusing on his debut record, collaborating with acclaimed British songwriters like Ed Harcourt, Jonny Lattimer and Nick Hodgson and recording with US producers Soren Hansen (New Politics), Paul DiVincenzo (Elle King) and Dave Sardy (Noel Gallagher, Snow Patrol, Modest Mouse, The Who).  Reflecting both his British roots and his new home in the States, the record feels uniquely personal and will finally be revealed to the world in 2023.
 
Palladio has performed on many of the world's most iconic stages, ranging from the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Troubadour, Royal Albert Hall, Roundhouse, The O2 and in 2018 he opened for one of his favorite bands, Biffy Clyro, on their European tour. 
 
Sam's other television and film credits include, Channel 4's BAFTA nominated drama "Humans," BBC/Showtime's comedy "Episodes" alongside Matt Leblanc, HBO mini-series “Catherine The Great” alongside Dame Helen Mirren, Netflix’s “The Princess Switch” alongside Vanessa Hudgens, ABC television’s “Rebel” opposite Katy Sagal and Andy Garcia, “Runner Runner" with Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck and Lucasfilm’s animated musical "Strange Magic".

Morris Higham’s Songwriter Series “Songs for a Cause” Returns

Last Night’s Performances by Matt Jenkins, Derek George, Will Bundy and Johnny Dailey Benefit Music Health Alliance

Photo Credit: Eric Ahlgrim

Morris Higham’s songwriter series “Songs for a Cause” returned last night, Nov. 30, to a sold-out house at Nashville’s historic Bluebird Cafe. The evening of song featured performances from hitmakers Matt Jenkins, Derek George, Will Bundy and Johnny Dailey. $2500 was raised with proceeds benefitting Music Health Alliance (MHA). With $1 being equivalent to $30 in healthcare resources for the nonprofit, the night generated approximately $75,000 in impact for MHA.

Once again sponsored by Morris Higham and City National Bank, the return of the series follows five prior “Songs for a Cause” events, including a stop at Joe’s Pub in New York. Collectively the songwriter series has raised over $10,000 for various industry charities including CMA Foundation, MusicCares, ACM Lifting Lives, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Phran Galante Fund for Lung Cancer Research.

“We are incredibly grateful to Morris Higham, City National Bank and The Bluebird Cafe for creating this special evening of music to benefit Music Health Alliance,” shares Tatum Allsep, Founder and CEO of MHA. “We are so happy this series is back and grateful for their support as we heal the music.”

Morris Higham Management will continue the “Songs for a Cause” series in 2023.

###

About Music Health Alliance
Founded in 2013 and based in Nashville, Music Health Alliance (MHA) has provided free healthcare advocacy and lifesaving support and resources to more than 18,000 music industry members across 49 states in the non-profit’s first nine years. MHA has supported songwriters, musicians, performers, producers, engineers, venue operators, artist managers, agents, publishers, business managers, and more by providing access to medicine, mental health resources, COVID-19 relief, diagnostic tests, lifesaving transplants, end of life care, and many other necessary services, saving more than $85,000,000 in healthcare costs for the nationwide music community in less than a decade. Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, financial support from the music community is critical to continue MHA’s advocacy and free services. For every $1 donation, MHA is able to provide $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music. MHA fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis and removes obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. All MHA services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for three or more years or who has credited contributions to four commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life. More info at www.musichealthalliance.com.

For Music Health Alliance, contact:
Joseph Conner, Essential Broadcast Media, joseph@ebmediapr.com
Cindy Hunt, Monarch Publicity, cindy.hunt@monarchpublicity.com
Carla Denham, Music Health Alliance, carla@musichealthalliance.com

Darius Rucker Brings 13th Annual "Darius and Friends" to Ryman Auditorium on June 6

13TH ANNUAL “DARIUS AND FRIENDS” BENEFIT CONCERT RETURNS TO NASHVILLE’S RYMAN AUDITORIUM MONDAY, JUNE 6

Tickets On Sale Starting Friday, April 8 via
AXS.com

Multi-Platinum superstar 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. Pre-sale access begins tomorrow, April 6 at 10 a.m. CT, with tickets on sale to the general public this Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m. CT.

The event is made possible with support from generous sponsors AMD, Hendrix Enterprises, CDW, Intel, Fanatics, Hewlett-Packard, CAA and Arrow Electronics.

For more information, please visit www.DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Diamond-certified debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the Top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers, plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his 9x Platinum version of Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He co-hosted the 54th annual CMA Awards in 2020 and topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021. Follow up single “My Masterpiece” is available everywhere now as Rucker puts the finishing touches on a forthcoming album.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker supports the MUSC Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina and has also raised millions of dollars for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. Rucker has also advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

Morgan Wallen's Nashville Shows Raise $120k for More Than My Hometown Foundation; Weekend Pop-up Show Continues

Photo Credit: David Lehr

After three nights of at-capacity crowds in Music City on his Dangerous Tour, totaling more than 40,000 fans across consecutive nights at Bridgestone Arena, Morgan Wallen kept the music playing with a pop-up, stripped-down acoustic set for a crowd of roughly 100 fans at Graduate Nashville’s Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

The fourth show in four days made good on a prize rewarded to a raffle winner from his Morgan Wallen & Friends Show at Marathon Music Works on Sept. 8, 2021, where over $800,000 was raised for flood victims of Middle Tennessee, in partnership with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund.

Fans were given a hint of the discreet pop-up show via an Instagram post made by Graduate Nashville just hours before the show’s start. They did this with a picture of one of the animatronic animals wearing a guitar strap that said “Dangerous.” It also tagged Morgan Wallen asking if it was “Quittin’ Time” yet. Seated on a stage with guitar in hand, alongside bandmates Dominic Frost and Tyler Tomlinson, the East Tennessean treated those in attendance to cuts from his ACM Album of the Year, Dangerous, including its title track, current single “Wasted on You,” No. 1s “More Than My Hometown” and If I Know Me’s “Chasin’ You.”

In tune with the crowd and exchanging lively banter, Wallen lamented his frustration that the University of Tennessee’s men’s basketball team had just lost minutes before taking the stage. Just days before, Wallen sported a Tennessee Volunteers’ shirt on stage Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena following the Vols’ win in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

The singer/songwriter also performed a solo/acoustic version of his Top 25 collaboration with ERNEST, “Flower Shops,” before closing the night with his No. 1 smash “Whiskey Glasses.”

In a statement Wallen has shared on the foundation’s website, he says the idea for the organization came out of his own family’s experience. “Since my parents fostered and now officially adopted my sister Lacey, I’ve witnessed what love and care can do for a child that didn’t have it before. She has transformed into a confident, trusting and happy kid,” he writes. “There are many elements that aid in the development and protection of an adolescent’s life, and that is why I created the foundation so a child’s resources are not limited due to their circumstances.”

In 2022, $3 from every ticket sold on his Dangerous Tour benefits More Than My Hometown Foundation. The three-night stop at Bridgestone last week alone raised over $120,000 that will be put into initiatives for adolescent development, resources and local communities.

For more information, please visit morethanmyhometownfoundation.org.

ABOUT MORGAN WALLEN
The New Yorker dubbed Morgan Wallen “the most wanted man in country” in part due to the CMA Award Winner’s 9 billion on-demand streams, multi-platinum certifications and four consecutive chart-toppers, and in part due to his flyover appeal: “Bruce Springsteen meets Larry the Cable Guy.” The critically-acclaimed follow-up to his Double Platinum breakout If I Know Me, Dangerous: The Double Album (Big Loud/Republic Records), topped 2021’s all-genre Billboard 200 Albums year-end chart with 4.1 million units sold and sparked an in-demand 58-show THE DANGEROUS TOUR in 2022 that kicked off this February and sees the “Up Down” (2017), “Whiskey Glasses” (2018), “Chasin’ You” (2019), “More Than My Hometown” (2020), “7 Summers” (2020, named one of Time Magazine’s Best Songs of the Year) and “Sand In My Boots” singer playing two nights at Madison Square Garden and three nights at Bridgestone Arena. Working outside the traditional Nashville mainframe with producer Joey Moi, Hits Magazine notes, “Wallen continually colors outside the lines,” adding, in turn “he’s connected to his fans in ways unprecedented for a country star.” With over 800k tickets already sold for 2022 just 14-shows in, $3 from every ticket sold benefits the songwriter from East Tennessee’s More Than My Hometown Foundation.

Morgan Wallen Surprises Crowd Again: Brings Out “The Chief” Eric Church on Night 2 in Nashville

Photo Credit: David Lehr

“It feels good to be here,” Morgan Wallen said, his first time addressing the at-capacity on -their-feet-crowd three songs in. “Last night we had a show and it was a really good crowd, but you guys are louder already.” The near-deafening crowd erupted as the Dangerous singer settled in for night two-of-three at Bridgestone Arena, an accomplishment that has him joining the ranks of just three other country acts to-date: Garth Brooks, Eric Church and Taylor Swift.

Amid pyro, dry ice and 86,000lbs. of production, Wallen slowed things down, making a point to connect the music and melodies with the moments that inspired them. “I don’t know if I ever wrote a song til I was 19 or 20,” Wallen revealed. “I used to write poems and stuff like that when I was in school… but really, I started singing when I was three years old. My momma threw me up on stage at church where my dad was a preacher at, and I’ve been singing ever since.”

Getting comfortable, he continued, “I guess I always knew I’d be singing. I always felt a connection to singing. I didn’t know if I could write songs or not. I started doing that in my parent’s garage on the workout weight bench,” he paused to laugh while adjusting his guitar. “I’d write a song then go in while my momma was cookin’ dinner or something and play it for her. I gotta give my mom credit, she didn’t always tell me I was good, which I appreciated.” Pausing to grin and note, “I got a real good momma, she’ll be here tomorrow night.

“This song,” he paused and said of his third No. 1, “Chasin’ You.” “…I moved to Nashville in July 2015 and wrote this in November or December, and I remember at the end of the day when I finished, we listened back and got really excited … and I thought ‘this is a good song – we got something special.’ I was just writing about something I’d been through. This song gave me a lot of encouragement and faith that I was doing the right thing, moving to Nashville, and I knew after we wrote this that I was gonna get to do this. I didn’t know how, and I didn’t know we’d sell out three nights at Bridgestone, but this song is special to me for a lot of reasons. Because of you guys, you made it a No. 1 on Country music radio.”

As Wallen approached midway “Quittin’ Time,” he looked to his left as the man who penned the song, Eric Church-- carrying his Chief-strapped Hummingbird guitar -- shocked the audience sauntering to center stage. After, Wallen shared, “If you’re a fan of me you know how big of a fan I am of this man right here, so I appreciate y’all coming out here.” Revealing that Church was on spring break and came back early to surprise the crowd on night two, the grinning North Carolinian jested, “I came a long way, we gotta do one more,” before the two collaborated on his career-defining cut off Carolina, “Smoke A Little Smoke.”

Whether joined on stage by special guests (HARDY, Larry Fleet or icon Eric Church), or working the stage with just a guitar/vocal like on “Cover Me Up,” Pollstar observes, “the winsome ‘Silverado For Sale’ suggests the way kids paying their own way pass it along and ‘Rednecks, Red Letters, Red Dirt’ offers truths that reach a little deeper than the field party or dive bar.” Last night, the St. Patrick’s Day crowd at Bridgestone got to experience both.

MORGAN WALLEN BAND
Morgan Wallen – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Mark “Taco” Annino - Drums/ MD
Luke Rice - Bass
Dominic Frost - Guitar
Tyler Tomlinson - Guitar
Chris Gladden - Aux/ Keys
Tony Aichele - Aux/ Guitar

HARDY BAND
HARDY: Lead Vocals/Guitar
Harry Miree - Drums
Rhett Smith - Guitar
Justin Loose - Guitar

LARRY FLEET BAND
Larry Fleet – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Eric Harley Brown - Bass
Zander Wyatt - Lead Guitar and Dobro
Steven Metz - Keys
Cam McClaren - Drums

“COULDA SHOULDA WOULDA” Event to Benefit Music Health Alliance on April 19

FIRST ANNUAL “COULDA SHOULDA WOULDA” EVENT TO BENEFIT MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE APRIL 19, AT CITY WINERY 

 Evening of Stories and Songs to Feature Award-Winning Songwriters 
HARDY, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps and Jameson Rodgers 

With SiriusXM’s Storme Warren Serving as Host

Music Health Alliance (MHA), recently honored with the 2021 CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award, announces the first annual “Coulda Shoulda Woulda” event to benefit the Nashville-based non-profit. Four of Music City’s hottest songwriters, HARDY, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps and Jameson Rodgers, are set to join in an evening of stories and songs at 6:30 pm CT on Tuesday, April 19 at Nashville’s City Winery. SiriusXM’s Storme Warren will host. In addition, a rare autographed vinyl collection will be available for silent auction at the event. Tables start at $1,000 and are available now by contacting events@musichealthalliance.com.

The night of music will find the artist in the round performing songs that “coulda, shoulda, woulda” been a smash along with their biggest hits.

“So many songs are truly remarkable but end up forgotten in the back of a drawer or placed on hold and never recorded,” shares GRAMMY-winning songwriter and MHA board member, Liz Rose, who created the compelling spin on the traditional writers’ round. “Guests will get to hear some never-heard-before songs and ones that got away…the ‘coulda, shoulda, woulda” songs from some of today’s biggest hitmakers.”

For every $1 donation, MHA is able to provide $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music. Working tirelessly the powerhouse team of 12 women assist music industry professionals with the entire spectrum of their healthcare needs, ranging from assistance with medical bills or physical and mental health guidance that includes finding doctors or prescription medicine, finding financial grants while recovering from a serious health issue, affordable health insurance, or answers to Medicare questions.

Based in Nashville, MHA has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 18,000 music industry members across 49 states in the non-profit’s first nine years - songwriters, musicians, performers, producers, engineers, venue operators, artist managers, agents, publishers, business managers, and more - by providing access to medicine, mental health resources, COVID-19 relief, diagnostic tests, lifesaving transplants, end of life care and many other necessary services, saving more than $85,000,000 in healthcare costs for the nationwide music community in less than a decade. Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, financial support from the music community is critical to continue MHA’s advocacy and free services.

In response to the pandemic, Music Health Alliance’s COVID-19 Relief Plan was created to provide direct support for the immediate needs of music industry professionals and their families during this public health crisis through relief grants, simplified solutions and a comprehensive database of resources. MHA fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis and removes obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for three or more years or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life.

To learn more about “Coulda Shoulda Woulda” or to purchase a table, email events@musichealthalliance.com.
For more about Music Health Alliance’s free services,
contact MHA at 615-200-6896 or info@musichealthalliance.com
Request assistance at: musichealthalliance.com/request-assistance
Donate to Music Health Alliance at: musichealthalliance.com/donate-to-heal

For more information about Music Health Alliance contact:
Joseph Conner / Essential Broadcast Media / joseph@ebmediapr.com
Cindy Hunt / Monarch Publicity / cindy.hunt@monarchpublicity.com

ABOUT HARDY: Big Loud Records’ booming upstart HARDY broke new ground with his critically acclaimed 2020 debut album, A ROCK, “an album that owes as much to AC/DC as George Jones” and “one of the most self-assured full-length debut albums in years” (Billboard). The project joins countrified mixtape HIXTAPE VOL. 1 and most-recent HIXTAPE VOL. 2, as well as career-launching EPs THIS OLE BOY and WHERE TO FIND ME. HARDY is the 2022 ACM Songwriter of the Year and the 2020 AIMP Songwriter of the Year, additionally nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 2021 CMA Awards. One of CRS’ 2021 New Faces of Country Music, a CMA Triple Play award recipient and a Vevo DSCVR artist, the pride of Philadelphia, MS has earned his reputation as "a breakout in the making" (HITS). HARDY has co-penned TEN #1 singles since 2018, including his own chart-topping, double platinum-certified single “ONE BEER” feat. Lauren Alaina + Devin Dawson. Current Top 15 hit “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL” is a hard-charged tribute to a fallen friend, the most-added single of the week at country radio upon launch. Serving as direct support on Morgan Wallen's Dangerous Tour now, HARDY has also opened for Jason Aldean, FGL, Chris Lane, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and more.

ABOUT RANDY MONTANA: Nashville native, singer-songwriter Randy Montana has been described as a standout among his “I’m more country than you peers.” His songs are pure, honest, & gritty but still manage to be from the heart. His style clings to the rough edges of country’s musical highway with clear hints of his childhood musical influences intertwined throughout. Growing up in the music business with a successful songwriter father, Billy Montana, he was familiar with the industry and “good music” before attending grade school. As a child they listened to Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and Jackson Brown among others. “I didn’t grow up on kids music. On road trips my whole family would be singing ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance.’ You know, totally normal for an 8-year-old,”
Randy says laughing. But it’s that influence that has helped build and mold him into the songwriter he is today. Randy has penned songs recorded by Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Justin Moore, Riley Green, Jimmie Allen, Drake White, David Nail, Cody Johnson, & George Strait, and wrote “What If I was Willing” that was featured on the hit TV show NASHVILLE. He currently writes for Warner Chappell Music and lives with his wife, Montgomery, and their three kids in Nashville, TN.

ABOUT HUNTER PHELPS: Hunter Phelps is a singer-songwriter and recording artist from Niceville, FL. Raised on the bayou, Phelps grew up on country greats like Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn. Show after show, Phelps watched as his heroes captured the crowd’s’ attention from the stage, fostering his desire and passion to become a touring artist one day. In 2012, he moved to Nashville and immediately landed a gig performing at the famed honky tonk, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Focused on improving his live performance and refining his songwriting, Phelps honed a unique sound that caught the attention of acclaimed songwriter Ashley Gorley, and quickly landed him a publishing and artist development deal at Gorley’s Tape Room Music in a joint venture with Warner Chappell. The budding songwriter is responsible for radio hits “Talk You Out Of It” (Florida Georgia Line) and “I Don’t Know About You” (Chris Lane) which marked his first #1 song, as well as his own new track, “Throwin’ Parties,” a break up anthem with a country lyric and urban feel.

ABOUT JAMESON RODGERS: Raised on the country rebels of old, country music’s newest powerhouse Jameson Rodgers currently finds himself basking in the success of two consecutive No. 1 hits, with his Platinum-certified debut “Some Girls” and follow-up smash “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” featuring label mate Luke Combs, making back-to-back runs up the charts. And now, with the release of his debut album Bet You’re from a Small Town and his new single “Missing One” hitting airwaves across the nation, the soft-spoken yet edgy country traditionalist just might find himself landing in superstar territory. An already established singer/songwriter on multi-Platinum-selling hits for Florida Georgia Line (Top 10 single “Talk You Out of It”) and Chris Lane (No. 1 smash “I Don’t Know About You”), Bet You’re From a Small Town is a gritty country music masterpiece effortlessly travels both sonically and lyrically between love songs (“Porch with a View”) and breakup songs (“Girl with a Broken Heart,”) party songs (“Cold Beer Calling my Name”) and songs that tell the story of the deepest of losses (“Good Dogs.”) “All these songs make me feel something,” he admits. “That’s the whole goal of music, isn’t it?”

ABOUT MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE: The non-profit’s work helps assist songwriters, artists, and musicians at every stage of their career to find affordable healthcare solutions and financial resources during medical crisis. Their mission is to PROTECT, DIRECT, and CONNECT music industry professionals nationwide with healthcare resources. Based in Nashville, MHA has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 18,000 music industry members across 49 states in the non-profit’s first nine years—songwriters, musicians, performers, producers, engineers, venue operators, artist managers, agents, publishers, business managers, and more—by providing access to medicine, mental health resources, COVID-19 relief, diagnostic tests, lifesaving transplants, end of life care and many other necessary services, saving more than $85,000,000 in healthcare costs for the nationwide music community in less than a decade. Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, financial support from the music community is critical to continue MHA’s advocacy and free services. For every $1 donation, MHA is able to provide $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music.

Spring Blake Tour to Stop at Ole Red Nashville on 3/14

SPRING BLAKE TOUR TO STOP AT OLE RED NASHVILLE

March 14 Show to Feature Artists from “The Voice”
During Month-Long Celebration at Shelton-Inspired Venue

Fan-favorite “Team Blake” artists will take the stage at Ole Red Nashville on March 14 for a free performance as part of the venue’s annual, month-long Spring Blake celebration. The Spring Blake Tour will be headlined by “The Voice” alums Emily Ann Roberts, Joy Reunion and Ian Flanigan and stop at Ole Red locations across the country.

All month long, guests of Ole Red Nashville can have fun celebrating Spring Blake with signature drinks and pop-up shows from previous contestants from “The Voice.” Country superstar Blake Shelton, whose hit song “Ol’ Red” inspired the brand of entertainment venues, will also take the stage for back-to-back shows at Ole Red Gatlinburg on March 11 and Ole Red Orlando on March 12.

“Giving young artists a platform to perform and grow is what Ole Red is all about, and every year Spring Blake is an important part of that commitment,” said Shelton. “I’m excited for Nashville to have a chance to see this group of incredible artists perform up close and personal.”

Along with three other locations in Tishomingo, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ole Red Nashville brings the best of southern food, hospitality and concert-quality live country music to residents and visitors alike.

For the latest menu offerings and live music calendar, visit olered.com/Nashville and follow @olered on social media.

About Ole Red
Ole Red is a lifestyle and entertainment brand inspired by Blake Shelton’s clever, irreverent third-chart hit, “Ol’ Red.” Its bar, restaurant and live music venues showcase hand-selected country music talent alongside concert-quality production and a Shelton-inspired menu for a unique experience that is “served all day and night.” You can currently find Ole Red entertainment venues and products in four locations in the United States: Nashville, Tennessee, where the flagship, multi-story bar, restaurant and entertainment venue is located on famed Lower Broadway; Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Blake’s hometown; Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains; and Orlando, Florida, which opened in 2020 at Icon Park. The fifth and sixth locations are set to open in the Nashville International Airport in the first half of 2022 and in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2023 respectively. Ole Red is owned and operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. as part of its Opry Entertainment division. For additional information about Ole Red, visit us online at OleRed.com.

Eric Church's Chief's Coming to Downtown Nashville

Six Story Property at the Corner of Broadway & 2nd Avenue to Include an Intimate Seated Music Venue, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ Rooftop Restaurant and More

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Multi-Platinum superstar Eric Church has partnered with real estate and hospitality entrepreneur Ben Weprin as co-owners of new six-story property Chief’s at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway in downtown Nashville, with plans to begin renovating the food, beverage and live entertainment space this year.

“I remember driving through downtown Nashville over 20 years ago with a pawn shop guitar, riding shotgun in a beat-to-hell truck just trying to chase a dream,” reflects Church. “Chief’s is the culmination of catching that dream. Like everything else we do in our career, I wouldn’t even attempt a project like this if I didn’t think it would be the best, so that’s what Chief’s will be: the best.”

With Esquire praising Church as “one of the most singular working artists in any genre,” and Stereogum celebrating him as “one of the biggest touring musicians on earth,” the critically acclaimed entertainer’s passion for live music will be on full display with an intimate seated music venue within the space. His roots in the Carolinas will also be reflected on the rooftop of the former Cotton Eyed Joe building, with renowned Charleston pitmaster and James Beard Award winner Rodney Scott bringing his Whole Hog BBQ to Music City.

“I am beyond excited to not only bring Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ to Music City, but to also partner with my good friends Eric and Ben on this project,” says Scott. “Anyone who knows me, knows that I love music – so the opportunity to expand the brand in partnership with an award-winning musician makes this project extra special! I can't wait to share our Carolina roots and our whole hog BBQ with the incredible people of Nashville.”

Church, who set the Nissan Stadium concert attendance record of 56,521 across the river from where Chief’s will stand, has been closely involved in the planning process for the venue, which will reflect his storied career of 30 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum singles – from his Sinners Like Me debut through current Top 15-and-climbing single “Heart On Fire” and beyond.

“Bringing a seated music venue to Lower Broadway while revitalizing and preserving a historic building is exactly the kind of investment Nashville’s entertainment sector needs,” notes Mayor John Cooper. “I thank the partners involved for keeping the character of the building while creating a new concept for locals and our visitors to enjoy.”

“Pairing Eric’s talent and passion for music and his work ethic with a new restaurant, bar, performance hall and more downtown is a recipe for success,” adds Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO Butch Spyridon. “The fact that he is doing this in a historic building that will transform the gateway to historic Second Avenue is truly a bonus as that street recovers from 2020’s unfortunate incident.”

“I am partnering with my closest friend and, in my opinion, the greatest hotel entrepreneur on earth, Ben Weprin, and the greatest barbecue chef in the world, Rodney Scott,” continues Church. “Together we will create an experience unique to Nashville and absolutely unparalleled in the world of music, food, fellowship and entertainment. This is my hometown. This is personal. This matters. Every detail of Chief’s will feel that way. I cannot wait to get started. See you in 2023.”

In addition to launching Chief’s, Church is currently playing in-the-round arena shows across the U.S. and Canada on The Gather Again Tour. Tickets to all dates, including the U.S. finale at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, are on sale now at EricChurch.com. All tour dates will enforce local venue and/or city guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions and Church is touring with a fully vaccinated crew.

For more information, visit www.ericchurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter @ericchurch and Instagram@ericchurchmusic. Fans can also download the Eric Church Official App for exclusive offers only available on tour – including seat upgrades, contests and special merchandise – all while connecting with fellow fans from around the world.

Photo credit : Joe Pugliese

Remaining Dates on The Gather Again Tour
* denotes special appearances not part of The Gather Again Tour
February 4 KFC Yum! Center Louisville, Ky.
February 5 Bankers Life Fieldhouse Indianapolis, Ind.
February 11 CHI Health Center Omaha, Neb.
February 12 Wells Fargo Arena Des Moines, Iowa
February 18 T-Mobile Center Kansas City, Mo.
February 19 BOK Center Tulsa, Okla.
February 25 Hampton Coliseum Hampton, Va.
February 26 Spectrum Center Charlotte, N.C.
March 4 Amway Center Orlando, Fla.
March 5 Amalie Arena Tampa, Fla.
March 11 United Center Chicago, Ill.
March 12 Enterprise Center St. Louis, Mo.
March 18 Resch Center Green Bay, Wis.
March 19 Resch Center Green Bay, Wis.
March 25 Legacy Arena at the BJCC Birmingham, Ala.
March 26 Simmons Bank Arena Little Rock, Ark.
April 1 Dickies Arena Fort Worth, Texas
April 2 AT&T Center San Antonio, Texas
April 9 Smoothie King Center New Orleans, La.
April 15 Moda Center Portland, Ore.
April 16 Spokane Arena Spokane, Wash.
April 29 ExtraMile Arena Boise, Idaho
April 30 Vivint Arena Salt Lake City, Utah
May 6 Pechanga Arena San Diego, Calif.
May 7 STAPLES Center Los Angeles, Calif.
May 11 Golden 1 Center Sacramento, Calif.
May 13 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nev.
May 14 Gila River Arena Glendale, Ariz.
May 20 Madison Square Garden New York, N.Y.
June 17* Barefoot Country Music Fest Wildwood, N.J.
June 23* Country Jam 2022 Mack, Colo.
July 1 Canadian Tire Centre Ottawa, Ontario
July 2 Scotiabank Arena Toronto, Ontario
July 9* Pendleton Whisky Music Festival Pendleton, Ore.
July 30* Big Valley Jamboree Camrose, Alberta
August 27* Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s Stateline, NV
August 28* Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s Stateline, NV

About Eric Church
Eric Church spent the past year releasing new music at a relentless pace; sharing the results of a marathon session during which he spent nearly a month writing and recording a song per day – including his latest Gold-certified No. 1 single “Hell of a View” and current single “Heart On Fire” – while sequestered in rural North Carolina, resulting in his critically acclaimed, chart-topping new three-part project, Heart & Soul, available everywhere now.

Just as unique as Church’s approach to recording and releasing music is his tenacity on the road. During 2019’s Double Down Tour, Church played back-to-back nights of two unique shows in each market sans opening act, giving every city’s fans six-plus hours of his iconic music. The tour also featured a massive stop at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, where he broke the venue’s concert attendance record with more than 56,000 fans in attendance and became the first artist to sell out the venue with a solo lineup. Church also took to the field at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium in 2020 of this year to perform the National Anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV and has now returned to the road for his 55-city The Gather Again Tour, visiting full-capacity arenas for an in-the-round show in addition to a recent headlining spot alongside George Strait and Metallica during the ATLive festival at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner (including the 2020 award for Entertainer of the Year) and 10-time GRAMMY nominee, Church has amassed a passionate fanbase around the globe known as the Church Choir as well as a critically acclaimed catalog of music. His previous project, the Gold-certified Desperate Man, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album (his third nod in the category). Prior releases include the Platinum-certified Sinners Like Me (“How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me”), Carolina (“Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most”) and Mr. Misunderstood (“Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz”), the Double-Platinum certified The Outsiders (“Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega”) and the 3x Platinum-certified Chief (“Springsteen,” “Drink In My Hand”), as well as 30 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified singles.

About Pitmaster Rodney Scott
Pitmaster Rodney Scott has been cooking whole-hog barbecue over wood coals since he was 11 years old. For the next 25 years he worked with his family in their BBQ stop in Hemingway, S.C. until 2017 when he opened Rodney Scott’s BBQ in the North Central neighborhood of Charleston, S.C. In that same year, the restaurant was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine and in 2018, Scott was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s Award for Outstanding Chef Southeast. In 2019, Rodney Scott’s BBQ opened a second location in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham, Ala. and in the summer of 2021, a third location in Atlanta, Ga., bringing whole-hog, South Carolina-style barbecue along with his famous “Rodney’s Sauce” to another part of the South.

Rodney has been the subject of a full episode of the award-winning Netflix series “Chef’s Table” and worked as a judge on Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl” for two seasons. His cookbook, Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ, published by Clarkson Potter, was released in the spring of 2021 to great fanfare and named one of the best cookbooks of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Out, Taste of Home, Garden & Gun, Southern Living, VICE and Library Journal.

For more information, visit www.RodneyScottsBBQ.com and follow on Instagram @PitmasterRodneyScott.