Universal Universal Music Group Nashville Pressroom

Darius Rucker returns to the historic Ryman Auditorium on Monday, June 3rd for his 15th annual “Darius & 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 $3.6 million to date, will feature a surprise all-star roster of friends as has become tradition at the annual celebration.

It's about that time!! I can't believe we're coming up on the 15th annual "Darius and Friends" concert! Join me on Monday, June 3rd at the one and only @theryman to raise money for the awesome kids at @StJude.

Presale: Tuesday, April 30 at 10am CT – Thursday, May 2 10pm CT… pic.twitter.com/V0XJZdA3KL

— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) April 29, 2024

Rucker, who was honored as the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year for always prioritizing philanthropic work throughout his career, made a commitment to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital nearly two decades 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, 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, a decade and a half 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, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Jelly Roll, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Megan Moroney, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Tommy Thayer of KISS, among many others.

Tickets to the 15th annual “Darius & Friends” benefit concert start at $69 with VIP package options up to $249, available via AXS.com. Pre-sale access begins tomorrow (April 30th) at 10am CT, with tickets on sale to the general public this Friday (May 3rd) at 10am CT. The event is made possible with support from generous sponsors AMD, CDW and The Law Office of Jennifer McCoy.

The announcement of this year’s “Darius & Friends” event adds to an exciting season for the three-time GRAMMY winner, who on Friday released a reimagined duet version of his Carolyn’s Boy album standout “Never Been Over” featuring Jennifer Nettles and on May 28 will release his first book, a memoir titled “Life’s Too Short” that explores the story of his life through the lens of the music that defined it. Rucker also returns to the road with his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmates in May for the Summer Camp with Trucks Tour. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

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

Reba McEntire surprised attendees at this past weekend’s Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California when she walked out during Miranda Lambert’s set. They performed Miranda’s hits “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Gunpowder and Lead,” as well as Reba’s “Fancy.”

https://twitter.com/reba/status/1784674488518578283

Two queens of country @mirandalambert @reba

Tune in to the @AmazonMusic Stagecoach livestream, hosted on @PrimeVideo and the Amazon Music Twitch channel. https://t.co/f1vz7Ez3bl pic.twitter.com/Amh3v9KBou

— Stagecoach Festival (@Stagecoach) April 28, 2024

Eric Church headlined Stagecoach on Friday (April 26th) and was backed by a full church choir.

Right to the soul @ericchurch

Tune in to the @AmazonMusic #Stagecoach livestream, hosted on @PrimeVideo and the Amazon Music Twitch channel. https://t.co/YiNi69SWnm pic.twitter.com/ETlETsqVZQ

— Stagecoach Festival (@Stagecoach) April 27, 2024

Brad Paisley surprised the Stagecoach crowd when he came out during Post Malone‘s ’90s country set during the festival over the weekend. They performed Brad’s hit “I’m Gonna Miss Her,” which Posty covered in a viral moment a couple of years ago.

https://twitter.com/BradPaisley/status/1784457318282707416

While Maddie & Tae performed their own electric set, they also came out during Jelly Roll’s set to perform a new song together, “Fire.”

@laurenedelstein

Brought it @stagecoach @Jelly Roll @Maddie & Tae

♬ original sound – Lauren Edelstein

Tyler Hubbard‘s “Back Then Right Now” is spending its second week at the top of the Canadian Country chart this week. The song is from his latest album, Strong, which was released earlier this month.

https://twitter.com/tylerhubbard/status/1784916693929640088

Keith Urban‘s Oscar-winning wife, Nicole Kidman, was honored at the 49th AFI (American Film Institute) Life Achievement Award Gala held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday (April 27th). Keith, their two daughters Sunday and Faith, Nicole’s sister Antonia and her niece Sybella were also in attendance, as well as celebrity friends Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Watts, Michelle Pfeiffer, Miles Teller, Morgan Freeman, Mike Myers and many more.

Darius Rucker is squeezing in some sightseeing while he’s on his European tour. A big Peaky Blinders fan, he stopped by “Uncle Charlie’s Yard” — one of the locations on popular Netflix series — to snap a pic.

Chilling at Uncle Charlie’s yard. By The Order of the Peaky Blinders. ⁦@ThePeakyBlinder⁩ pic.twitter.com/29kr3aeueU

— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) April 29, 2024

Coming off the release of his new album Strong multi-PLATINUM country hitmaker Tyler Hubbard announces the first leg of his headlining Strong World Tour, which includes stops in Houston, Boston, Philadelphia and more.

The tour kicks off in Indianapolis on September 6th and is set to wrap with a hometown show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on November 21st. Alana Springsteen will serve as direct support for the leg. Tickets are on-sale this Friday (May 3rd), at 10am local time, here: tylerhubbardofficial.com/tour

Fans can expect a high-energy performance and Hubbard’s “well-seasoned star power” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) as they hear songs from the new album — which was praised by Billboard, GRAMMY.com and more — including his current Top 3 radio single “Back Then Right Now.” He’ll also perform hit songs including “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country,” which have been certified 2x PLATINUM and PLATINUM, respectively.

He will headline festivals and fairs across the US this Summer before heading out on the Strong World Tour.

More dates for the Strong World Tour will be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit tylerhubbardofficial.com.

Strong World Tour Dates:

Fri., Sept. 6 | 8 Seconds Saloon | Indianapolis, IN+

Sat., Sept. 7 | The Sylvee | Madison, WI+

Thurs., Sept. 12 | The Signal | Chattanooga, TN+

Fri., Sept. 13 | The Blue Room (Outdoor Show) | Statesboro, GA+

Thurs., Sept. 19 | Avondale Brewing Company | Birmingham, AL+

Fri., Sept. 20 | Blind Horse Saloon | Greenville, SC+

Sat., Sept. 21 | Coyote Joe’s | Charlotte, NC+

Thurs., Oct. 24 | Haute Spot | Cedar Park, TX+

Sat., Oct. 26 | House Of Blues Houston | Houston, TX+

Thurs., Oct. 31 | GLC Live at 20 Monroe | Grand Rapids, MI*

Fri., Nov. 1 | History | Toronto, ON, CA+

Sat., Nov. 2 | Roxian Theatre | Pittsburgh, PA+

Thurs., Nov. 7 | Citizens House of Blues | Boston, MA+

Fri., Nov. 8 | The Fillmore Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA+

Sat., Nov. 9 | The Fillmore Silver Spring | Silver Spring, MD+

Thurs., Nov. 14 | The Moon | Tallahassee, FL+

Fri., Nov. 15 | Abacoa Amphitheater | Jupiter, FL+

Thurs., Nov. 21 | The Ryman | Nashville, TN+

+support from Alana Springsteen

*support TBA

Josh Turner releases his new track today, “Heatin’ Things Up.” Produced by Kenny Greenberg, the song was written by Marv Green, Luke Laird and Brice Long. This is the first release of Turner’s 10th studio album, which will be released later this year.

LISTEN TO “HEATIN’ THINGS UP” | HERE

“Heatin’ Things Up” cranks up the romantic thermostat, fusing a red-hot fiddle and smoldering sway to a bottomless vocal intro. Says Turner, “This song was kind of in the same vein as [multi-Platinum hit] ‘Your Man,’ but musically, it’s just very interesting. I went to the studio to track the song and when the first pass was over, [bassist] Glenn Worf said, ‘My God, that first note felt like you just had a load of gravel dumped on you!’ I can’t wait to see how fans react to that live.”

Turner is on his Greatest Hits Tour throughout 2024 with tour dates spanning coast to coast. Ticket information can be found at https://joshturner.com/.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Singer/Songwriter/Producer Hueston swears “Every Time Is The Last Time” on his new track, available today. With his distinct vocals chronicling the can’t-fight-it feeling of rekindling a tumultuous relationship, Hueston wrote the song alongside Brandon Sammons with production by BSAMZ. Listen to “Every Time Is The Last Time” here.

“Every Time Is The Last Time” follows the evocative upcomer’s latest release “Living Fast,” with boundary-pushing lyrics tempting the listener to submit to a memory and seize the moment.

More new music is on the horizon for the South-Florida native, who will take the stage at major festivals across the country this summer including Nashville’s CMA Fest, Country Jam in Grand Junction, CO, Michigan’s Tailgates N’ Tallboys and Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville, KY. As the rising artist’s TikTok likes, YouTube views and streams all soar into the millions, keep up with what’s to come from Hueston at iamhueston.com.

Already an emotional cornerstone of recent album Carolyn’s Boy from three-time GRAMMY Award-winner Darius Rucker, standout song “Never Been Over” now arrives as a duet with the captivating vocals of GRAMMY Award-winning entertainment powerhouse Jennifer Nettles adding a new dimension to the emotional ballad.

Penned by Rucker alongside Lee Thomas Miller and Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne, the original release of “Never Been Over” was celebrated by Billboard as a flipped perspective to Rucker’s chart-topping “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” with the reflective song “looking back on a couple’s love nearly two decades later, chronicling years of emotional zeniths and low points, a duration spent raising kids and building a life together one day at a time:”

We’ve been good and bad, hot and cold

And fightin’ mad, solid gold

Been sunny days, straight-line winds

Been drivin’ slow and guilty as sin

Been back roads lost and blue lights found

Dead of quiet, rockstar loud

Been up and down like we’re built on springs

We’ve been a lot of things

But we’ve never been

Splittin’ up friends, splittin’ up records

Puttin’ up walls, burnin’ down letters

Grass is greener ‘cause there’s something better

Waitin’ down the line

We’ve never been a headlights weaving, taillights fadin’

So long, move on, goodbye waitin’

Never been one last long look across your shoulder

We’ve been a lot of things, but we’ve never been over

“Writing that was very cathartic,” Rucker shared with Garden & Gun of the song. “It was almost like therapy for me. It’s so honest and one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”

“Now, to have Jennifer add her incredible voice to such an emotional song, you feel even more of what this couple is facing; unravelling the life they’ve built together,” reflects Rucker. “I’m so grateful she agreed to sing on it with me.”

“I’ve wanted to collaborate with Darius for such a long time! And when I heard the song, I loved its story,” adds Nettles. “But in addition to its theme of lifelong love, it feels so perfect for Darius and I to sing it together. Both of our careers have grown and changed so dramatically since we each started out. And, as the hook sings, ‘We’ve been a lot of things, but we’ve never been over.’ This song is a beautiful example and extension of that constant evolution.”

Currently on the road in Europe for a run of solo shows ahead of this summer’s Hootie & the Blowfish Summer Camp with Trucks Tour, Rucker is also preparing to share his first book with fans, a memoir titled “Life’s Too Short.” Set for release May 28, the memoir sees Rucker share the story of his life through the music that has defined it, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his journey from music enthusiast to music icon. Pre-order HERE.

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

PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson’s banner street week continues as tickets for her 28-stop headlining The REBEL Tour are on sale now. The coast-to-coast tour will stop in major markets across the country with special guest Jordan Rowe, including Wilson headlining Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for the very first time on September 25th. General onsale begins this morning at 10 a.m. local time at www.annewilsonofficial.com.

“I’m so excited to hit the road this fall on The REBEL Tour!” shares Anne. “We’re going to be playing some amazing venues all across the country and it feels like a dream come true! Ever since writing and recording this new record, I’ve been waiting for the chance to take REBEL on the road. I’ll be counting down the days till show No.1. Can’t wait to sing with y’all!”

https://twitter.com/Annewilsonmusic/status/1782754749575463112

Wilson’s momentum continues to surge as she notches the No.1 spot at Christian radio during REBEL’s street week with her empowering anthem “Strong,” marking Wilson’s third career No.1. The single, co-written by Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West has already garnered over 32M global streams to date. She also recently became the only female artist to have three No. 1 singles across the Mediabase Christian AC and Mediabase Christian Audience charts since she first launched on the scene with “My Jesus” in 2021.

LISTEN: REBEL

Last week, Wilson commemorated the groundbreaking release with a performance of her loud-and-proud title track “REBEL” on The 3rd Hour of TODAY. The record has been lauded by fans and the industry alike since its April 19 release, as People.com dubs her “one of contemporary music’s freshest new voices, regardless of genre,” while Billboard praises its “faith rooted Country sound.” GRAMMY.com echoes the sentiment, noting Wilson’s ability to “hit the bullseye between contemporary Christian and Country twang,” and The Tennessean recognizing her “folk-aimed soul and countrified pop passion.”

Combining much-needed encouragement, vulnerability and transparency into a perfect balance that footholds the space between the dead-end road paved in dirt and the church pew of redemption on Sunday morning, the record produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith emerges as a powerful message of faith. Highlighted on the album is “the upbeat banger” (GRAMMY.com) “Songs About Whiskey,” released with an all-new music video, that finds Wilson unashamedly walking the line of her strong faith and Country roots. Collaborations with some of Christian and Country music’s biggest names further elevate the record, enlisting reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson for “Praying Woman,” GRAMMY-Award winner Chris Tomlin for “The Cross” and Country superstar Jordan Davis for “Country Gold.”

Last month, Wilson landed her first CMT Music Award nomination for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year for “Rain In The Rearview.” Despite only being three years into her career, Wilson has already amassed an impressive array of accolades, including winning a Billboard Music Award, multiple DOVE and K-LOVE Fan Awards, and nominations for prestigious honors from the GRAMMYs and American Music Awards. Recognized as Apple Music’s Country Riser for April, an artist to watch by Spotify, Pandora, the Grand Ole Opry, CMT and more, and over 900M career streams, Wilson’s trajectory knows no bounds.

As Wilson prepares to take the stage for The REBEL Tour, she will grace the stages of both Country and Christian music’s most sought-after festivals this summer. Stay up to date with Wilson at www.annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

The REBEL Tour dates with Jordan Rowe:

Sept. 12, 2024 in Tulsa, Okla. at Mabee Center

Sept. 13, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas at Will Rogers Auditorium

Sept. 14, 2024 *TBA

Sept. 19, 2024 in Atlanta, Ga. at The Coca-Cola Roxy

Sept. 21, 2024 in North Charleston, S.C. at North Charleston Performing Arts Center

Sept. 25, 2024 in Nashville, Tenn. at Ryman Auditorium

Sept. 26, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C. at Ovens Auditorium

Sept. 27, 2024 in Birmingham, Ala. at BJCC Concert Hall

Oct. 3, 2024 in Melbourne, Fla. at King Center for the Performing Arts

Oct. 4, 2024 in Jacksonville, Fla. at Florida Theatre

Oct. 5, 2024 in Tampa, Fla. at Straz Center

Oct. 10, 2024 in Newark, N.J. at Calvary Temple International

Oct. 11, 2024 in Reading, Pa. at Santander Performing Arts Center

Oct. 12, 2024 in Washington, D.C. at Warner Theatre

Oct. 17, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minn. at State Theatre

Oct. 18, 2024 in Chicago, Ill. at Willow Creek – South Barrington – Lakeside

Oct. 19, 2024 in Indianapolis, Ind. at Reardon Auditorium

Nov. 1, 2024 in Phoenix, Ariz. at Orpheum Theatre

Nov. 2, 2024 in San Diego, Calif. at Faith Chapel

Nov. 3, 2024 *TBA

Nov. 8, 2024 in Boise, Idaho at Morrison Center

Nov. 9, 2024 in Sacramento, Calif. at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

Nov. 10, 2024 in Bakersfield, Calif. at The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater

Nov. 12, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah at Kingsbury Hall

Nov. 13, 2024 in Denver, Colo. at Paramount Theater

Nov. 15, 2024 in Tacoma, Wash. at Pantages Theatre

Nov. 16, 2024 in Spokane, Wash. at Fox Theater

Nov. 17, 2024 in Salem, Ore. at Elsinore Theatre

REBEL Track List:

1. “REBEL” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
2. “Rain In The Rearview” (Anne Wilson, Matthew West, Zach Kale, Jaren Johnston)
3. “Strong” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
4. “God & Country” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Trannie Anderson)
5. “Praying Woman” (with Lainey Wilson) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson)
6. “Songs About Whiskey” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
7. “Sinner’s Prayer” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
8. “The Cross” (with Chris Tomlin) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Jonathan Smith)
9. “My Father’s Daughter” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Emily Weisband)
10. “Red Flag” (Anne Wilson, Jonathan Smith, Casey Beathard)
11. “Country Gold” (with Jordan Davis) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
12. “Southern Gospel” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
13. “Dirt Roads In Heaven” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Nicolle Galyon, Matthew West)
14. “3:16” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
15. “Milestones” (Anne Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Lauren Hungate)
16. “Out of the Bluegrass” (Anne Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband)

Sam Hunt‘s “Outskirts” holds steady at the top of the Billboard Country Chart for a second week in a row. The RIAA Gold-certified tune was written by Sam, along with producer Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers and Josh Osborne.

He posted a deep-felt thank you to his socials earlier this week, saying “It was a slow burn there for a while, but Outskirts has had wind in its sails these last few weeks. It’s the #1 song at Country Radio right now. Thank you to everyone at radio for all your support and everyone who has been in my corner helping make it happen.”

It was a slow burn there for a while but Outskirts has had wind in its sails these last few weeks. It’s the #1 song at Country Radio right now. Thank you to everyone at radio for all your support and everyone who has been in my corner helping make it happen. pic.twitter.com/s7eBzrvEmT

— Sam Hunt (@SamHuntMusic) April 24, 2024

Sam recently announced his headlining summer amphitheater kicking off June 28th in Bend, Oregon. On sale now, the 20-city Locked Up Tour runs through September with dates across the U.S. and Canada, and features support artists Russell Dickerson, George Birge (U.S.), and Dalton Dover (Canada).

Darius Rucker is set to kick off the European leg of his Starting Fires Tour 2024 on Saturday (April 27th) in the United Kingdom at the O2 Apollo Manchester, followed by dates in Newcastle, Birmingham, London, Bristol and Leeds, before going to Scotland, Ireland and more. He’s set to wrap up his European dates in Belfast on May 11th.

Darius says he’s toured across the pond more than 20 times, and every time he’s there, he experiences something new.

“The thing I enjoy most about going to Europe is just being over there. I mean, there’s so much to see, there’s so much to do, and I’ve been there probably over 20 times touring, and I still find new great things to do every time I go,” he says. “You know, I just love being over there, and the crowds are amazing. The crowds are amazing. They know every word to every song. They dance and party the whole time and they know they’re not going to see you again soon, so they get the most of out it. They have a blast. I love playing over there.”

Darius really enjoys being a tourist in-between shows when he’s overseas. “We’re going to some great places on this tour. We’re going to some amazing places on this tour – Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Ireland, the U.K. We fill our time with sightseeing still. We go on sightseeing and tourist stuff, like Amsterdam is my favorite walking city in the world. You just walk around and then pop into some museum that looks amazing and see things that you never thought you’d get to see. I love it.”

Darius just released his new song, “Never Been Over,” featuring Jennifer Nettles.