Over 50 Artists Join Forces To Honor Michael W. Smith At Bridgestone Arena

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Over 50 Artists Join Forces To Honor Michael W. Smith At Bridgestone Arena

Michael W. Smith Tribute - group photo

Last night Nashville, TN’s Bridgestone Arena became home to a once-in-a-lifetime, star-studded tribute event honoring Michael W. Smith and celebrating his 35 year career and his 35 #1 hits.

Nashville, Tenn. – 35 Years Of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smithwas packed with over 3 hours of performances from singers including: Amy Grant, Wynonna, Randy Travis with Steven Curtis Chapman, Jordin Sparks with Jordan Smith, Rascal Flatts, The Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, Charlie Daniels, the Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill with Wayne Kirkpatrick, Matthew West, Avalon, The Oak Ridge Boys, CeCe Winans, Francesca Battistelli, Sandi Patty with Natalie Grant, Ricky Skaggs with the Isaacs, Jason Crabb, Lee Greenwood, Mark Lowry, Jim Brickman, T. Graham Brown and more.

Before the show started, Smith spoke of how he had been kept in the dark about most of the event so he was looking forward to the surprises throughout the night, seeing his songs performed and the rendition that the artists were going to take on them. He stated that “the beauty of the night is how it has brought so many of us together.”

Kathie Lee Gifford kicked off the night bringing Smith and his wife Deborah out to greet the crowd before they took their seats on stage. Smith didn’t stay seated long as he joined several artists throughout the night on his iconic songs and even some of theirs.

Highlights throughout the night included:

  • Randy Travis walking out on stage with his wife Mary Travis as his version of Smith’s “Above All” played. An emotional Smith stood as Travis made his way to him before embracing
  • After performing “How Great Thou Art” Charlie Daniels brought out his fiddle for “Devil Went Down to Georgia” while Smith accompanied him on piano
  • Taped messages from Smith’s dear friends: former President George W. Bush, U2’s Bono and Franklin Graham
  • American Idol winner Jordin Sparks joining The Voice winner Jordan Smith performing “All is Well”
  • Rascal Flatts putting their spin on “Pray for Me”
  • A visibly moved Wynonna, joining Michael Tait, Matt Maher, Avalon and CeCe Winans on “Help Is on the Way” then Smith jumping to the piano to join her for a rendition of his “Majesty”
  • Smith’s longtime friend and tour-mate Amy Grant inviting him to accompany her on the piano during their “Love Will Find a Way”

The show closed with all the artists coming back on stage to join-in for Smith’s classic “Friends.”

After playing the piano, Smith embraced the end of the triumphant night moving to the front of the stage to take a bow as his family joined him.

Promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, music lovers experienced over 50 artists from all genres, performing a set list that included many of Smith’s 35 #1 hit singles. With over 45 Dove awards, three Grammy awards, and an American Music award, Michael W. Smith has forever enshrined his mark in the music history books. Smith garnered yet another Grammy nomination in 2018 for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his worship effort, Surrounded. AWAKEN: The Surrounded Experience is Smith’s latest release (Feb. 22, 2019).

“35 Years Of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smith” full setlist:
Phil Keaggy, Mac Powell, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Point of Grace – “Agnus Dei”
Jason Crabb – “Love Crusade”
Ricky Skaggs with The Isaacs – “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
Zach Williams – “I’ll Stand”
David Hamilton – Instrumental
David Hamilton, Jordin Sparks, Jordan Smith – “All is Well”
Matthew West – “Go West”
Charlie Daniels – “How Great Thou Art”
Charlie Daniels with Michael W. Smith – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”
Jars of Clay – “I’ll Lead You Home”
Rascal Flatts – “Pray for Me”
Avalon with Jay DeMarcus – “I Will Be Here”
Mark Lowry – “Face in This World”
Gatlin Brothers with Phillips, Craig & Dean – “Shine On Us”
Sandi Patty and Natalie Grant – “How Majestic”
Jim Brickman – “Love of My Life”
Michael W. Smith with original band – “Could He Be Messiah,” “Be Strong,” “You Need a Savior”
Randy Travis and Steven Curtis Chapman – “Above All”
Lee Greenwood with Wes King and sons – “There She Stands”
Brian Littrell – “Place in This World”
Michael W. Smith – “Secret Ambition”
Oak Ridge Boys – “Draw Me Close”
Nicole C. Mullen, Danny Gokey, Katinas, Matthew Ward, Calvin Nowell – “Crown Him with Many Crowns, ” “Easter Song”
CeCe Winans with Point of Grace – “King of Glory”
Matt Maher – “This is Your Time”
Laura Story with Francesca Battistelli – “How to Say Goodbye”
Russ Taff – “Healing Rain”
Wayne Kirkpatrick with Vince Gill – “Never Been Unloved”
Mark Hall – “I’m Waiting on You”
Tait, Matt Maher, Avalon, Wynonna, CeCe Winans – “Help Is on the Way”
Wynonna – “Majesty”
Amy Grant with Michael W. Smith – “Love Will Find a Way,” “Thy Word”
All sing including T. Graham Brown – “Friends”

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he’s written over 35 #1 songs, been honored with three GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. His most recent USA Today, Yahoo! Music and Billboard-acclaimed studio album A Million Lights and Parade, Good Morning America-featured and GRAMMY nominated live worship album Surrounded have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history. He’s also given back to the global community. Smith has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

About Outback Concerts:
Outback Concerts is an independent, full-service concert and comedy promoter based in Nashville, TN. In addition to producing hundreds of concerts and events each year, ranging from clubs to arenas across the country and Canada, Outback Concerts also produces the Nashville Comedy Festival. Outback Concerts President Mike Smardak was a 2011 inductee of the IEBA Hall of Fame. In November of 2016, Mike Smardak was honored with a distinguished NATD Award alongside Nashville’s most recognized members of the entertainment industry. In March of 2018, Smardak was honored by the T.J. Martell Foundation with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award. Promoter Andrew Farwell was voted IEBA Rookie of the Year in 2014.

About Conway Entertainment Group:
Conway Entertainment Group is a full-service talent agency comprising live events, booking and talent management. CEG is built firmly on the foundation of Tony Conway’s forty years of experience in the industry, climbing the ranks from agent to CEO of Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc., one of the world’s largest agencies. In 2009, Conway sold his interest in BLA and opened Conway Entertainment Group with the desire to use his expertise from years of representing and negotiating some of the biggest tours, sponsorships, licensing deals, and literary, film and TV projects to come out of Music City.

Aaron Tippin Swims with Mermaids to Raise Money for Veterans

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AARON TIPPIN SWIMS WITH MERMAIDS TO RAISE MONEY FOR VETS
Watch the Event Unfold HERE
Nashville, Tenn. (May 1, 2019) — There are hundreds of occasions country singer Aaron Tippin has given back to United States military veterans over the years. From visiting wounded vets to performing throngs of benefit concerts and performing overseas, Tippin is known as one of the most patriotic singers in country music. Now the “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly” singer can add another checkmark to his long list of veterans support: swimming with mermaids!
Last week at the Sip ‘N Dip Lounge in Great Falls, Montana, Tippin transformed into a celebrity merman to raise funds for the Grace Home Veterans Center. Tippin joined several mermaids for a swim in the lounge’s indoor pool, visible through a giant window in the bar.
“If you told me I would be swimming with mermaids in a bar in Montana wearing a merman costume I would have told you you’re crazy, but that’s exactly what I did,” says Tippin. “When our friend and bar owner Sandi Thares asked me to do it for the Grace Home Veterans Center, I couldn’t say no. It was a blast and now I have a new respect for how tough it is to be a merman.”
The sold out event also featured a live performance by Tippin, as well as his wife Thea (a Great Falls native) and son, singer-songwriter Tom Tippin. While visiting Great Falls, Tippin also made time to visit with several veterans who reside at the Grace Home Veterans Center.
Click HERE to watch the day’s events unfold.
*Video reel courtesy of Fern Films Cinematography
About Aaron Tippin
Aaron Tippin’s traditional sound and focus on working-class themes made him one of the most popular acts of the 1990s. Tippin’s major career hits include “Kiss This,” “My Blue Angel,” “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the Radio,” “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” “Working Man’s Ph.D.,” and “You’ve Got to Stand for Something.” In 2015, Tippin celebrated 25 years in the music business and released Aaron Tippin 25, a two-disc collection of 25 songs that includes 10 freshly recorded versions of his biggest career hits, as well as 15 brand new songs. The album is available for purchase at aarontippin.comand iTunes.

JUSTIN MOORE, DENNIS QUAID, KEIFER SUTHERLAND – National Memorial Day Parade

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Justin Moore, Dennis Quaid, Kiefer Sutherland, Gary Sinise, Natalie Morales, Kyra Phillips and More to Headline the 2019 National Memorial Day Parade
Presented by the American Veterans Center, the Largest Memorial Day Parade in the Nation Commemorates Service & Sacrifice 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, which marks the first day of Military Appreciation Month, the American Veterans Center announced that the 15th annual National Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 27th at 2PM (EST) along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital. The parade will include musical performances by country star Justin Moore, critically acclaimed actors turned critically acclaimed musicians Dennis Quaid and Kiefer Sutherland, and the season 16 winner of NBC’s The Voice, in the winner’s first concert performance following the show’s season finale.

The parade will be hosted by Natalie Morales (NBC News) and Kyra Phillips (ABC News) and will be televised on local network affiliates across the U.S. and overseas to our troops on the American Forces Network. It will also be livestreamed online at YouTube.com and Military.com. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of Americans will line the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country, including veterans and active duty military personnel, historical re-enactors, marching bands, musical performers, and celebrity supporters of our troops, such as award-winning actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, celebrity chef Robert Irvine, Miss USA 2019 (to be crowned on May 2nd), and many more.

This year’s parade will commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history. It will also feature surviving members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, who were the only battalion of African-American women to deploy overseas during World War II. The American Veterans Center re-introduced the tradition of a Memorial Day parade along Constitution Avenue in 2005, decades after it had faded away during the Second World War. It has since grown into the largest Memorial Day commemoration in the country.

“In its 15th year, The National Memorial Day Parade has become a holiday staple. It is a great opportunity for Americans to take a moment to unite around the brave men and women who sacrificed everything to ensure our freedom,” said Tim Holbert, Senior Vice President of American Veterans Center. “The parade, which is a moving timeline of America’s military history, honors those who have served to protect our country, especially our fallen heroes, from the American Revolution to today.”

The National Memorial Day Parade will commence at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. It will proceed west down Constitution Avenue, ending just past The White House and the National World War II Memorial at 17th Street. Participants will pass by the nation’s monuments, memorials, and museums, and will be greeted by hundreds of thousands of spectators waving flags and cheering for our country’s heroes.

John Prine debuts cover of “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight”

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JOHN PRINE DEBUTS COVER OF “MY
OLD KENTUCKY HOME, GOODNIGHT”
LIMITED EDITION VINYL FEATURING
TYLER CHILDERS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
2019 SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
“THIS COUNTRY HAS NEVER NEEDED JOHN PRINE
MORE.”—THE NEW YORK TIMES
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer John Prine is debuting a new cover of “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight” today. Listen/share HERE. Released in advance of the Kentucky Derby this weekend, “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight” was written by Stephen Collins Foster and originally recorded by Prine in 2004 as part of a compilation album created in Foster’s honor.
In addition to today’s digital release, the song will also be available on a limited amount of 7-inch, Kentucky blue vinyl. Also included on the vinyl is a live version of Prine’s acclaimed song, “Paradise,” featuring special guest Tyler Childers. Pre-order HERE. Proceeds from the release go towards the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, a non-profit law firm supported by Prine and Childers that represents coal miners and their families in the Appalachian region.
The release of “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight” follows a landmark year for Prine, whose new album, The Tree of Forgiveness, continues to receive widespread critical acclaim(purchase/ stream here). Out now on his own independent label, Oh Boy Records, The Tree of Forgiveness is Prine’s first album featuring new material in over 13 years and was produced by Grammy Award winning producer Dave Cobb. Upon its release, the album debuted at #5 on theBillboard 200 chart with over 54,000 equivalent albums sold in its first week—a career high chart position and sales week for the legendary singer, songwriter and performer. The album also debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart, #2 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart and #2 on Billboard’s Rock Albums chart.
Additionally, Prine is among the 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees. The 50th Annual Induction and Awards Gala will take place on June 13 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Of the recognition, Prine shares, “I am thrilled to hear about my induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. I have been proud to make my living as a songwriter for almost 50 years now. I have to say it’s a bonus to be elected by your fellow songwriters. Thank You to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.”
In continued celebration of the album, Prine will perform select shows throughout 2019, including upcoming stops at Minneapolis’ Cyrus Northrop Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre and Hollywood’s John Anson Ford Amphitheatre among several others. Additionally, on July 28, Prine will perform at Red Rock Amphitheatre with the Colorado Symphony. The landmark concert is Prine’s first-ever orchestral performance and will feature arrangements by Dave Cobb. Moreover, Prine’s sold out All The Best Fest—a destination concert vacation—will take place at the all-inclusive Breathless + Now Onyx Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic November 11-15, 2019. Of Prine’s sold out show at Radio City Music Hall, Rolling Stone declares, “…a night of joy and love at one of the biggest shows of the veteran singer-songwriter’s career.”
Recent acclaim for Prine and The Tree of Forgiveness…
“Stunningly, The Tree Of Forgiveness can nearly go toe-to-toe with John Prine’s towering debut 37 years ago. Prine’s way with a phrase that makes you chuckle and yanks a tear all at once is undiminished…Please, John, don’t make us wait so long next time for more wit and wisdom.”
—American Songwriter, Top 25 Albums Of 2018
“Prine rekindles the straight-ahead, earthbound spirit that made him a songwriting
icon in the first place…”—Associated Press
“…a straightforward, honest album that releases into a world in desperate need for the truth.”
—Esquire, The 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
 “Across the LP, Prine blends goofball wit and aw-shucks surrealism to conjure the ordinary and the profound, absurdist whimsy and existential despair, laughter and tears.”—The Guardian
“An American treasure”—GQ Style
“Prine moves effortlessly among songs bursting with humor to others
that resonate deeply and profoundly…”—Los Angeles Times
 “America’s Greatest Living Songwriter”—Men’s Journal
“There’s possibly no living figure more influential on the current class of artists in roots, country and Americana than Prine…what he cooks up reveals truths about humanity’s blessings as well as its curses. He’s not passing out spoonfuls of sugar to make the medicine go down. Instead, he’s trying to help us tolerate the bitter taste left by bewildering, painful experiences like death and love. It makes everything else seem that much sweeter.”—Nashville Scene
“The best John Prine song is probably just the last one you listened to—and
now there are ten more of them.”—The New Yorker
 “…the kind of song Mr. Prine has been writing since his career began: a
handful of folky chords, a melody that sounds like it’s always been around, a grainy and understated vocal and lyrics that summon complex emotions in a rigorous minimum of syllables.”—The New York Times
“In this album, The Tree of Forgiveness, all his roots merge. He may be singing about going to heaven, but his earthiness keeps his music alive.”—NPR Fresh Air
“John Prine is a national treasure.”—NPR Music, Best Albums of 2018
“Summer’s End”: 100 Best Songs of 2018—NPR Music
“…showcases the album’s beautifully simplistic writing that reads like poetry,
relying mostly on end rhyme to tie in the artist’s message of longing to return to a
place where he can feel at home.”—Paste
“The songwriter’s first album of new music in 13 years is wise and economical. At 71, John Prine is a virtuoso at understatement, finding the joy in the mundane, and writing about what it means to be alive.”—Pitchfork
“The simple arrangements here hark back to his early albums, allowing the words and his voice to shine brightly. The songs are short, and his voice is barely a whisper, but they’re pure Prine, with vignettes marked by unforgettable melodies and sharp, insightful lyrics.”—Relix
“…it’s as deft and thoughtful as a devoted fan could hope for…a meditative back-porch sort of record, content even with its mild discontent. But casual elegance abounds…Prine is an Illinois native, a god-tier singer-songwriter, and an American legend.”—The Ringer
“…it’s very good, frequently brilliant, with all the qualities that define Prine’s music.”
★★★★—Rolling Stone
50 Best Albums of 2018 So Far—Rolling Stone
“The balance of humor, plain language and reality in his music is what makes
him stand out in the genres of folk, country and beyond.…his best performing album of his entire career.”—Sound Opinions
“Prine’s heart is all human. It beats in every song on The Tree of Forgiveness…the most personal record of his 47-year recording career.”—The Tennessean
“To understand why he has endured for nearly 50 years as one of the most beloved singer-songwriters ever, you have to rely on anecdotal evidence. You must point to actual human beings, rather than numbers, to understand the breadth of his impact.”—UPROXX
“It’s prime Prine: Accompanied by simple, instantly memorable memories, its lyrics tell of the agonies and absurdities of life that often stand side by side…musically as well as lyrically, The Tree of Forgiveness is a pleasure, one that, though a long time coming, will delight for a period that’s longer still…It’s a soul-deep treat to be in his company
once again.”—The Wall Street Journal
Recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the album includes ten new songs written by Prine along with co-writers Pat McLaughlin, Roger Cook, Dan Auerbach, Keith Sykes, David Ferguson and Phil Spector. Along with Prine (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Cobb (acoustic guitar, mellotron, claps, kazoo) and Prine’s longtime band, the album features special guests Brandi Carlile (harmony vocals on tracks 2, 4, 10), Jason Isbell (electric guitar on track 7, slide guitar and background vocals on track 9, 10) and Amanda Shires (fiddle and background vocals on track 9, background vocals on track 10).
Photo credit: Danny Clinch
A two-time Grammy-winner, Prine is among the English language’s premier phrase-turners. Almost 50 years into a remarkable career that has drawn effusive praise from Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Roger Waters, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and others who would know, Prine is a smiling, shuffling force for good. He is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and a PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient whose classic debut album, simply titled John Prine, is recognized as part of the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame and whose songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and many others.
Following the 2015 death of his friend and business partner Al Bunetta, Prine is now President and sole owner of Oh Boy Records. He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife, Fiona, and enjoys spending time with their three sons, a daughter-in-law and his grandchildren.
THE TREE OF FORGIVENESS TRACK LIST
1. “Knockin’ On Your Screen Door” (by John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)
2. “I Have Met My Love Today” ft. Brandi Carlile (by John Prine and Roger Cook)
3. “Egg & Daughter Nite, Lincoln Nebraska, 1967 (Crazy Bone)” (by John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)
4. “Summer’s End” (written by John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)
5. “Caravan of Fools” (by John Prine, Dan Auerbach, Pat McLaughlin and David Ferguson)
6. “The Lonesome Friends of Science” (by John Prine)
7. “No Ordinary Blue” (by John Prine and Keith Sykes)
8. “Boundless Love” (by John Prine, Dan Auerbach, Pat McLaughlin and David Ferguson)
9. “God Only Knows” (by John Prine and Phil Spector)
10. “When I Get to Heaven” (by John Prine)
JOHN PRINE CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
May 17—St. Louis, MO—Stifel Theatre (with Amanda Shires)
May 18—Springfield, MO—Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts (with Amanda Shires)
May 24—Appleton, WI—Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (with Todd Snider) (SOLD OUT)
May 25—Madison, WI—Overture Center for the Arts (with Todd Snider) (SOLD OUT)
May 31—Minneapolis, MN—Cyrus Northrop Memorial Auditorium (SOLD OUT)
June 1—Duluth, MN—Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (with Todd Snider) (SOLD OUT)
June 8—Highland Park, IL—Ravinia (with Tyler Childers)
June 15—Manchester, TN—Bonnaroo
June 20—Syracuse, NY—Landmark Theatre (with Amanda Shires)
June 21—Buffalo, NY—Shea’s Performing Arts Center (with Amanda Shires)
June 23—Tappan, NY—Rockland-Bergen Music Festival
July 13—Center City, NY—Lu-Ray Park & Amphitheater (with Kelsey Waldon)
July 28—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre with the Colorado Symphony (with I’m With Her)
July 30—Salt Lake City, UT—Red Butte Gardens (with I’m With Her)
August 2—Portland, OR—Oregon Zoo (with Amanda Shires)
August 4—Seattle, WA—Woodland Park Zoo (with Amanda Shires)
August 6—Vancouver, BC—Queen Elizabeth Theatre (with Kathleen Edwards)
August 8—Banff, AB—Shaw Amphitheatre (with Kathleen Edwards)
August 9—Calgary, AB—Jack Singer Concert Hall (with Kathleen Edwards)
August 23—Gävle, Sweden—Gävle Konserthus (with Ian Noe)
August 25—Tonder, Denmark—Tonder Festival
August 27—Oslo, Norway—Oslo Konsurthus (with Ian Noe)
August 30—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Paradiso (SOLD OUT)
August 31—Deurne, Belgium—Openluchttheater Rivierenhof (with Steve Gunn)
September 2—Paris, France—Alhambra Theatre Music Hall (with Gaëtan Roussel)
September 4—Berlin, Germany—Columbiahalle (with Ian Noe)
September 6—London, U.K.—Royal Festival Hall (with Tanya McCole)
September 8—Edinburgh, U.K.—Edinburgh Festival Theatre (with Lloyd Reid)
September 9—Manchester, U.K.—Bridgewater Hall (with Tanya McCole)
September 27—Columbia, MO—Roots N Blues BBQ Festival
October 1—Hollywood, CA—John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
October 3—Oakland, CA—Fox Theater
October 30—Asheville, NC—Thomas Wolfe Auditorium (with Ben Dickey)
November 1—Durham, NC—Durham Performing Arts Center (with Ben Dickey)
November 2—Roanoke, VA—Berglund Center (with Ben Dickey)
November 11-15—Punta Cana, Dominican Republic—All The Best Fest (SOLD OUT)
December 6—Orlando, FL—Bob Carr Theater
December 7—Clearwater, FL—Ruth Eckerd Hall
December 31—Nashville, TN—Opry House (with Mart Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives & The Secret Sisters)
For more information, please contact
Asha Goodman 615.320.7753 or Carla Sacks 212.741.1000 at Sacks & Co.,[email protected] or ca[email protected]

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Opens Still Rings True: The Enduring Voice of Keith Whitley

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Pictured L-R Tony Conway, Jesse Keith Whitley, Lorrie Morgan, Morgan Whitley, and Country Museum Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young
(Photo by: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM OPENS

STILL RINGS TRUE: THE ENDURING VOICE OF KEITH WHITLEY 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 30, 2019 – Tonight, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum celebrated the opening of its newest exhibition Still Rings True: The Enduring Voice of Keith Whitley. The exhibit carefully examines the life and times of Whitley. Despite the brevity of his career, Whitley produced many significant country hits, and his music continues to exert tremendous influence on subsequent generations of country singers. The exhibit officially opens this Friday, May 3, and runs through April 5, 2020.

Brenda Colladay, vice president of museum services of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, spoke emotionally on Whitley’s life and career remarking that he appeared poised for superstardom when he lost his battle with addiction. A visibly moved Lorrie Morgan thanked the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and everyone who contributed to the exhibit.

Thomas Rhett Brings LIFE CHANGES TOUR to Canada with a String of Sold-Out Shows

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THOMAS RHETT BRINGS LIFE CHANGES TOUR TO CANADA WITH A STRING OF SOLD-OUT SHOWS

“All Around Star” Launching VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR in U.S. Next Month 

 

NASHVILLE, TN (April 29, 2019) – Current ACM Awards Male Artist of the Year and MULTI-PLATINUM selling performer THOMAS RHETT brought his critically acclaimed LIFE CHANGES TOUR to Canada this past weekend with a string of sold-out and packed arenas in Montreal, Ottawa and London. Long recognized for his “infectious energy” (iHeartRadio) onstage, the Canadian launch follows 2018’s U.S. LIFE CHANGES TOUR, which drew in thousands of fans and led critics to praise Thomas Rhett’s live show as he’s “fearlessly come into his own” (Tennessean), “adept at engaging a crowd” (Houston Chronicle), and noting “there’s a palpable connection between the country music superstar and his fans” (M-LIVE).

“We have never worked so intensely in rehearsals, with our entire band and crew literally working round the clock for several weeks, challenging ourselves to take the show to an even bigger level. Getting to start in Canada and feed off the crazy energy from the Canadian fans was the perfect way to kick off the tour.  We’re fired up and can’t wait to do it again next weekend!” said Thomas Rhett.

With electricity pulsating through at-capacity venues, fans were treated to arena-ready debut performances of new songs from Thomas Rhett’s hotly anticipated upcoming studio album CENTER POINT ROAD (The Valory Music Co.), out May 31.  Performing “Remember You Young,” and “Beer Can’t Fix,” (featuring Jon Pardi)  the “talented performer, songwriter and all around star” (Forbes), also unleashed the “funkier, horn-laced” (Rolling Stone) “Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time,” (featuring Little Big Town), and his Top 10 smash “Look What God Gave Her.”

The LIFE CHANGES TOUR resumes this weekend in Saskatoon (5/2), Regina (5/3) and Winnipeg (5/4). Up next, Thomas Rhett will return to the U.S next month heating up summertime with the VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR featuring special guests Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson and Rhett Akins. The VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR will make notable stops across the US, hitting 40 cities on its run and wrapping in his hometown of Nashville, TN. Tickets are on-sale now via ThomasRhett.com.

Remaining LIFE CHANGES TOUR 2019 Canadian Dates:

May 2 | Sakatoon, SK – Sasktel Centre

May 3 | Regina, SK – Brandt Centre

May 4 | Winnipeg, MB – Bell MTS Place

May 8 | Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome

May 10 | Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place

May 15 | Vancouver, BC – Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena

The upcoming album’s lead single “Look What God Gave Her” has already earned the highest chart debut of Thomas Rhett’s career. CENTER POINT ROAD connects fans to Thomas Rhett’s past, weaving together autobiographical stories with familiar sounds that have propelled his meteoric career. The highly-anticipated new music is the follow-up to the PLATINUM-certified smash LIFE CHANGES, which spawned a 2018 GRAMMY® Awards nomination for Best Country Album and has been streamed more than one billion times, delivering a slew of RIAA-certified PLATINUM and GOLD chart-toppers, bringing Thomas Rhett’s No. 1 tally to 12. Thomas Rhett was named country radio’s most played artist of 2018, following a CMA Triple Play award for penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period, adding to his collection of trophies from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Billboard Music Awards, CMT Music Awards and more. On May 17th in Spokane, WA, he will kick off his headlining VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR, visiting 40 stops across the nation. For more information on new music and upcoming tour dates, visit ThomasRhett.com.

Tyler Rich Celebrates Love With New Single “Leave Her Wild”.

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TYLER RICH CELEBRATES LOVE WITH NEW SINGLE “LEAVE HER WILD”

Watch First Look Video: https://TylerRich.lnk.to/LHWvideoPR

Performs Track During Symbolic Stagecoach Appearance


NASHVILLE, TN (April 29, 2019) – Three years ago fate stepped in when TYLER RICH caught a glimpse of his free-spirited, now fiancée Sabina Gadecki unabashedly enjoying music at Stagecoach. On Friday (4/26), they returned once again to the Indio festival grounds as he performed a set including new single “Leave Her Wild” that links their random meeting and unfolding love story. The song, available now via The Valory Music Co., expresses just how Tyler sees his beloved … then, now and forever.
Penning the track alongside Chris DeStefano and Jon Nite, Tyler shares, “’Leave Her Wild’ is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written, and I’m so excited to get to share it with the world! Sabina is truly the inspiration, but it’s cool to see how fans are already connecting out on the road. I wrote this song about truly loving somebody for who they are and not trying to change them. So many times, we have our own ideas about how someone should be living their life, rather than just supporting them for who and what they are. If you’re gonna love her … leave her wild.”
With lyrics steeped in the freedom of acceptance, Tyler sings: Don’t tame her, try to chain her, the second you do, you’ll break her / Don’t dull that shine that caught your eye, ‘cause you’re afraid somebody will take her / She ain’t a dial you just turn on and off / She ain’t all found, but she ain’t all that lost / If you’re gonna make her, make her smile, smile / If you’re gonna let her / If you’re gonna let her, let her dance, let her sing / Let her be whatever she wanna be/ Leave her wild. Mixing behind-the-scenes studio footage and clips of “…appreciating the free-spiritedness of your partner” (The Boot), watch the first look video: https://TylerRich.lnk.to/LHWvideoPR.
Officially impacting Country radio on May 13, NY Country Swag already notes, “Rich beautifully articulates the importance of always remembering the little things you loved about your person, and to always allow he or she to stay true to themselves.”
Tyler is currently featured in the April Music Issue of Palm Springs Life; read the multi-artist cover here. The Yuba City, CA native has been in the studio and is expected to release more music throughout the year following his SiriusXM chart-topping hit “The Difference.” Rolling Stone called Tyler “the newest member of country music’s radio-minded incoming class, with a homecoming king’s swagger and a valedictorian’s songwriting smarts.” Music lovers can catch Tyler at fairs and festivals throughout the summer; for additional tour dates, visit TylerRich.com.

Matt Stell Makes Memorable Opry Debut

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MATT STELL MAKES MEMORABLE OPRY DEBUT

Nashville, TN — April 28,  2019 — Rising star MATT STELL made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, April 27th, sharing the iconic stage with Martina McBride, Charles Esten, Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, and more. The “Prayed For You” singer/songwriter was introduced by Seely and received a rousing welcome from the audience, including throngs of friends, family, and fans who made the trip from Arkansas to cheer on the hometown singer, as he stepped into the Opry’s hallowed circle to perform “Everywhere But On” and a heartfelt rendition of his debut single. Stell had just returned to Nashville from a sold-out hometown show in Little Rock, AR hours before stepping onto the Opry stage.

Matt Stell continues to turn heads with his current single, “Prayed For You,” a song he wrote with Ash Bowers and Allison Veltz, which has already garnered over 42 million on demand streams and over 360,000 consumption units.  The track which features his “rich, rumbling vocals” (Digital Journal) is making waves on Billboard’s Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs Charts — currently sitting at No. 43 on Airplay — and spinning on SiriusXM’s The Highway. The CMT Discovery Artist’s official music video for “Prayed For You” premiered via People, stars Savannah Chrisley and her fiance’, Nic Kerdiles and has racked up over 4.3 million views! The track has been featured on Spotify’s Hot Country, New Boots, Wild Country, and Country Kind Of Love Playlists, Amazon’s “The Weekly One,” and Apple’s A-List Country Playlist.

“Prayed For You” is the debut single from his forthcoming EP slated for release this spring.

After playing college basketball for Drury University for four years, breakthrough country artist, Matt Stell stood at a crossroads. One road led to Cambridge, MA where Stell was accepted into Harvard University’s Extension School Pre-Med program. The other road pointed toward Nashville and a career in country music. Stell made the choice to follow his dreams of writing and performing. The 6’7” Center Ridge, Arkansas native and self-taught vocalist and guitar-player made the move to Music City in 2014, landing a publishing deal with Wide Open Music and a record deal with music industry powerhouse Barry Weiss’s RECORDS/Sony Music Entertainment. He will be taking the stage at a number of major country music festivals this summer including CMA Music Fest (Nashville, TN), LakeShake (Chicago, IL) and Watershed (George, WA). Learn more at mattstell.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube@MattStellMusic.

LANCO Finds Unity in “Rival” Music Video

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ACM-WINNING GROUP LANCO RELEASE NEW MUSIC VIDEO
FOR UNDERDOG ANTHEM “RIVAL” TODAY

LANCO to Headline For Capacity Crowds Overseas as
Their HALLELUJAH NIGHTS TOUR Launches in London on May 1st

NASHVILLE, TN – Apr. 22, 2019 – Double-PLATINUM Arista Nashville band LANCO released their new music video “Rival” today. The first track from the band’s upcoming sophomore album, which already boasts over one million streams, follows their No. One selling and critically acclaim debut HALLELUJAH NIGHTS. In the music video directed by Peter Zavadil and filmed in Nashville, LANCO brings together a diverse crowd from all walks of life who have overcome judgment cast by others. They amplify the power of unity by bulldozing through defeating moments together alongside a compelling live performance. Fans can watch the music video for “Rival” here.

“We really wanted to capitalize on the true message behind the song that was built from different times in our lives and the stories from fans who have felt beat-down and lost, but ultimately find hope and redemption,” said Lancaster. “Every caption on that wall was an experience that person had to overcome, and when it was knocked down you could feel the genuine joy from everyone on the set. It was a powerful moment I’ll never forget.”

Fans can get a behind the scenes look of LANCO’s “Rival” music video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ca1eRaPXkI

ACM “New Group of the Year” once again tapped producer Jay Joyce for the track that was written by frontman Brandon Lancaster and drummer Tripp Howell as it curates “thumping beats, soaring guitar riffs and a sing-along chorus” with “a sound reminiscent of Arcade Fire” (Billboard). LANCO was able to “rile up the crowd with their catchy performance” (CBS) of “Rival” during the 54th annual ACM Awards, as it served as one the best moments of the night for Associated Press, Billboard, Country Living andRolling Stone. They will continue that moment at Stagecoach this weekend, before heading overseas with their headlining HALLELUJAH NIGHTS TOUR. The UK trek will launch May 1st at London’s O2 Academy Islington, with opener Bailey Bryan.

LANCO has paved the course for critical acclaim with the success of their 2x PLATINUM single “Greatest Love Story” which became a multi-week chart-topper. Following the release of their No. One selling debut album HALLELUJAH NIGHTS, which has over 550 million streams, both moments were historical in Country music as Lancaster became the first artist in 10 years to have a No. One on the chart is solely written by that artist, while LANCO served as the first Country group in a decade to appear at the top of the Billboard Country albums chart with a debut album. LANCO recently earned their first award as ACM“New Group of the Year” and has garnered additional nominations from the CMT, CMA, AMA, and iHeartAwards, while Lancaster became the first member of a group to ever win NSAI’s “Songwriter/Artist of the Year.” This summer, they will perform at Country music’s biggest festivals after serving as direct support for Luke Combs’ “BEER NEVER BROKE MY HEART TOUR.” Fans can connect with LANCO onFacebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information, visit www.lancomusic.com.

Hitmaker Ross Copperman Releases Two New Original Songs

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HITMAKER ROSS COPPERMAN RELEASES
TWO NEW ORIGINAL SONGS
“Stars Are On Your Side” Featured on SPOTIFY’S
 New Music Friday“We Should Plant a Tree” Celebrates the Beauty of Earth Day

Ross Copperman | Photo Credit: Taylor Kelly

Nashville, Tenn. – Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Ross Copperman is further cementing his position as one of the most influential figures in country music today with the release of two new original tracks to all digital partners starting this week. Copperman wrote, produced and sings on both of the thought-provoking songs.

Written alongside Kevin Bard and Brian Fallon, “Stars Are On Your Side” was recently featured on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” segment and was also featured on the April 18 episode of ABC’s award-winning show “Grey’s Anatomy.” A second song, “We Should Plant a Tree,” was recently released in honor of Earth Day (April 22). Written by the Virginia native alongside accomplished Nashville songwriters Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally, “We Should Plant a Tree” is a song that reminds us all that we all play a part in taking care of the earth in which we live.

Fresh off his ACM Award win for Music Event of the Year as producer of the Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne’s collaboration “Burning Man,” Copperman continues to add to his impressive list of professional accolades. A five-time CMA Triple Play Award winner, Copperman was nominated twice this year for “CMA Album of the Year” for Keith Urban’s Graffiti U and Dierks Bentley’s The Mountain. In addition, Copperman’s songwriting talents have shined on a total of 18 No. 1 hits for artists such as Luke Bryan (“Strip It Down,”) Kenny Chesney (“Setting the World On Fire”) and Florida Georgia Line (“Confession.”)

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Copperman has also led a very personal initiative as the co-founder of Songfarm, an initiative to provide high school students the proper studio equipment to help them reach their music-filled dreams. The idea of Songfarm first originated when Copperman attempted to fulfill the needs of the music students from his very own high school, Glenvar High School. It is now Copperman’s hope to replicate Songfarm to schools across the nation. For more information, please visit songfarm.org.