Universal Universal Music Group Nashville Pressroom

For the eight new performances, Church will retire his two-set model (for now), and bring special guests to join him. The first to be announced for his Alabama dates Sept. 15-16 are CMA and ACM Duo of the Year winners, Brothers Osborne, and singer/songwriter Ashley McBryde who fans from Church’s Chicago show will remember due to their rousing rendition of “Bible and a .44” off her Jalopies & Expensive Guitars album.

“This tour has been so special musically; I can honestly say I’m really gonna miss it,” Church says referring to not only the journey but seeing everyone on their feet night-after-night singing as loud as they can for the entire show. “That being said, I’m looking forward to sharing the bill with some artists I enjoy.  It’s gonna be a fun challenge to turn a three-hour show into a shorter one that can vary drastically night-to-night.”

With surprise collaborative moments from newcomers like McBryde to Deep Purple’s Glenn Hughes and Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell to guest choirs that have appeared at every stop, Holdin’ My Own Tour has notched the #1 most attended touring concert in the world in 2017 according to Pollstar with critics noting, “in a relatively short time Eric Church has firmly established himself as one of the best live performers of his generation,” Thom Jennings of the Niagra Gazette observed following his Buffalo show. “His albums keep getting progressively better as do his live shows. It may only be a matter of time before he is too big for hockey arenas and will start headlining stadium shows.”

Until then, you can see him here and only here June and beyond:

June 23 Cadott, WI at Country Fest+
Sept. 2 and 3 Stateline, NV at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys**
Sept 7, 2017 Austin, TX at Austin 360 Amphitheater**
Sept. 8, 2017 Houston, TX at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion**
Sept 15, 2017 Tuscaloosa, AL at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater*
Sept 16, 2017 Orange Beach, AL at The Wharf Amphitheater*
Sept 21 and 22 Gilford, NH at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion**
Oct. 29 Las Vegas, NV at Route 91 Festival+
*With special guests Brothers Osborne and Ashley McBryde; on sale May 12 at 10 a.m.
**Special guests announced soon
+Previously announced

Additional support announcement and on sale information coming soon.

Pre-sales will be powered by Ticketmaster Verified Fan, an innovative new technology from Ticketmaster built to help Church continue to combat bots and get tickets into the hands of real fans who intend to go to the shows.

For more information, visit ericchurch.com/events.  

Dierks Bentley continues to balance “robust record sales and heavy radio play with acclaim from even those critics who had seemed allergic to Nashville’s output in the past” (Esquire) as all three singles released from his eighth studio album BLACK (Capitol Records Nashville) have now received certifications from the RIAA. Bentley’s chart-topping PLATINUM certified hit “Somewhere On A Beach” is joined by the Billboard Music Award, GRAMMY and ACM nominated plus CMA award-winning “Different For Girls” as back to back PLATINUM certified No. One hits. The “king of the breakup song” (Noisey), has also struck GOLD for current Top 10 single ”Black,” as the three singles alone have seen more than 389 million digital streams.

As “a staple on the airwaves” (Des Moines Register) Bentley’s thought-provoking single “Black” has been called one of “the sexiest songs of his career” by the Associated Press and Rolling Stone. He “continues to take risks that pay off,” (USA Today) as BLACK, the “most fully-formed LP of his career” (TIME), has garnered nine nominations from the ACM, CMA and GRAMMY Awards and debuted at the No. One position on Billboard’s all-genre Top Albums Chart and Top Country Albums chart.

Bentley continues to throw the party of the summer headlining Stagecoach for the first time on Friday (4/28) after having “steadily worked his way up the Stagecoach lineup” (LA Times), which included surprise performances with Elle King, Cole Swindell and Jon Pardi. He continued the weekend with “ferocious live performances” (Fresno Bee) in Fresno, CA and Reno, NV. Bentley launches the next leg of his 2017 WHAT THE HELL WORLD TOUR with special guests Cole Swindell and Jon Pardi on May 19 in Columbia, MD. With “lyrics that are compassionate and purposeful” (The Post-Standard) he has “had the audience singing along at top volume” while “working the crowd with the charismatic brand of showmanship that’s made him one of Country music’s most exciting entertainers” (Arizona Republic). For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.

Before Lady Antebellum launches their YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR presented by NABISCO, the multi-PLATINUM trio will share weekly exclusive content with Rolling Stone Country leading into its kickoff in Bakersfield, CA on May 26th. Beginning today (5/01), the multi-PLATINUM trio will prepare for 65 shows across six different countries with behind the scenes moments from tour rehearsals, a candid group interview and more alongside openers Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young.

The series begins with an off-the-wall video installment as Lady Antebellum puts Ballerini and Young through the ringer in their mock-up boot camp. To watch, visit Rolling Stone here: http://www.rollingstone.com/country/news/see-lady-antebellum-train-for-upcoming-tour-in-goofy-video-w479709

As “Lady Antebellum has taken the music industry by storm for the last decade…they continue to dominate” (Albuquerque News Journal) even after taking time to pursue solo projects last year. The trio’s “renewed energy” (People) will be heightened on the road during their YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR, as “Lady Antebellum has a new spring in their step” (The Augusta Chronicle). They will also propel their universal appeal when they trek to South Africa for the first time, along with monumental stops in Europe.

With a new sense of history and possibilities, Lady Antebellum’s sixth studio album HEART BREAK (Capitol Records Nashville), out June 9th, had Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott on a new mission — setting aside time to put themselves in new surroundings, and concentrate on writing and exploring musical endeavors with no distractions. Alongside producer busbee, their desire to shake things was made evident by the record’s debut lead track and current single, “You Look Good,” as the “soul-infused single makes good use of horns,” (Washington Post). Additionally, the trio had a hand in writing eleven songs on HEART BREAK, resulting in their most intimate and heartfelt work to date. The new music follows more than 18 million units, nine No. One hits, ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row, and countless other honors including Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards. For more information about new music and upcoming tour dates, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.

Shania Twain entertained the crowd at the annual Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California over the weekend. She performed her new single, “Life’s About to Get Good,” which will be released next month. “I wrote this specific song about the good and bad in life and how important it is to have both,” she said. “We got to take the good with the bad, right? No pain, no gain.”

She also brought out a couple of special guests during her set, including Kelsea Ballereini for “Any Man of Mine.” “I really admire her talent. She is an incredible singer-songwriter,” Shania said of Kelsea.

She then introduced Nick Jonas, who helped her sing “Party of Two.” “Shania is the reason I’m in music today,” said the pop heartthrob.

Of her Stagecoach experience, she told the crowd, “This is the party of the year for me. I don’t get out much actually. I’ve been very busy in the studio making new music, being a mom, being a wife, all these other hats, so this is like my party tonight.”

Shania will return with a new album later this year.

Not only did Little Big Town perform the National Anthem, but Luke Bryan was in attendance watching the Nashville Predators win the third game in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues.

He even got caught on the jumbotron with what looks like 50 kids (exaggeration) who started dancing when Luke’s song, “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” came on in the Bridgestone Arena.

https://twitter.com/tvkellysutton/status/858821315222020097

The members of Little Big Town slayed the National Anthem prior to Game 3 of Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues.

The band follows Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan in performing the Anthem during the Preds Stanley Cup Playoff run.

The Preds got the ‘W’ to lead the series 2 to 1.  Game four takes place Tuesday night in Nashville.

https://twitter.com/JimiWestbrook/status/858808852040605696

The members of Little Big Town hit the small screen this weekend. The band will appear on HBO’s Sesame Street on Saturday (April 29th) and on Sunday Today With Willie Geist on NBC on Sunday (April 30th).

WATCH: "We do take care of each other." @littlebigtown talks family, music and more this weekend with @WillieGeist on #SundayTODAY pic.twitter.com/Ny9eClL9o2

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) April 28, 2017

The Country Music industry came together Wednesday evening to honor 31 music educators as the 2017 CMA Music Teachers of Excellence. Five-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town hosted the event at Nissan Stadium, and more than a dozen other artists attended the ceremony, as well as CMA and CMA Foundation Board members, community leaders, and CMA Foundation beneficiary programs.

CMA Music Teachers of Excellence, now in its second year, honors music educators and their indelible impact on students and school communities through the power of music. The program was created in partnership with Metro Schools’ “Music Makes Us” initiative, which was formed as a result of a 2015 study that highlighted the challenges of local music teachers.

Twenty-five Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) teachers were recognized. Additionally, six recipients from other cities were acknowledged by Give a Note Foundation’s “Music In Our Schools Tour” presented by Radio Disney. Each honoree receives a stipend from the CMA Foundation in recognition of their commitment.

“These educators are building and inspiring a generation, equipping students with tools they will continue to use throughout their lives,” said Joe Galante, CMA Foundation Chairman.

“Music City is Music City because of the Country Music Association,” said Dr. Shawn Joseph, MNPS Director of Schools. “[The CMA Foundation] has set the bar high and established new standards for public/private partnerships between Metro Schools and business partners in Nashville and Davidson County.”

In addition to Little Big Town members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook, Country artists and songwriters Kix Brooks, Chase Bryant, Kristian Bush, Lindsay Ell, Seth Ennis, David Fanning, Chelsea Gill, Hunter Hayes, Olivia Lane, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, William Michael Morgan, Jerrod Niemann, and Corey Smith were in attendance.

CMA Foundation funds are generated by CMA Music Festival ticket proceeds and presented on behalf of the artists who donate their time. Nissan Stadium is home to the Festival’s Nightly Concerts.

“We are living proof that dreams do come true. Our teachers always reminded us that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and patience,” said Little Big Town’s Schlapman.

“Learning music gives students the ability to achieve success, build self-esteem and self-confidence, while teaching them the importance of working as a team,” added Little Big Town’s Sweet.

In a surprise, emotional pre-event gathering, Little Big Town was reunited with their childhood music teachers Sarah Glover and Jim Walker of Alabama (Westbrook), Billy Jack Green of Georgia (Fairchild), and Julia Lansford of Arkansas (Sweet). Earlene Rentz of Kentucky and Robert Ivey of Georgia, who taught Schlapman, shared heartfelt video and written messages in their absence. Fairchild serves on the CMA Foundation Board of Directors.

The City of Nashville showed its support by lighting up downtown landmarks Ascend Amphitheater, Bridgestone Arena, Korean Veterans Boulevard Bridge, Omni Hotel, and Westin Hotel in CMA blue lights, in honor of the event.

“Nashville is a city that is committed to our music teachers and values the impact that they have on our Metro Nashville Public Schools students,” said Nashville Mayor Megan Barry in a video message. “CMA has worked alongside our school district in an effort to provide the best music program for our community, our state, and the country.”

Throughout the evening, videos of well-wishes were shared from entertainers Cam, Brad Paisley, Cassadee Pope, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band, and ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” announcer Dicky Barrett and musical director Cleto Escobedo III.

Grammy Award-winning vocal group Little Big Town’s critically-acclaimed new album, The Breaker, recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200, marking the group’s fourth Top 10 project on the Billboard 200 chart. “Better Man,” the hit lead single from The Breaker, recently spent two weeks topping the Country airplay charts (Billboard, Mediabase) and is the group’s second two-week No. 1 at Country radio. The reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year continues to make headlines with their historic, year-long artist residency at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium – the first ever artist residency in the venue’s 125-year history – with additional dates announced for May, July, September, and November. For more information on Little Big Town, visit littlebigtown.com.

Keith Urban’s 2016 release RIPCORD, which has been #1 on the Billboard Country Album Chart the last two weeks, is making history yet again by propelling him into the country music record books.

Keith is one of only two country artists whose 2016 album release was certified platinum by the RIAA. RIPCORD also places him as the second country artist (amongst artists with nine or more platinum releases) to currently have every album certified platinum or multi-platinum.  This platinum streak of nine also places Urban at #8 on the all-time list of country artists with consecutive platinum albums.

Upon its release, Keith yet again did what no other male solo country artist in history has been able to do, celebrating a #1 all-genre album chart position simultaneously in the U.S., Australia and Canada.  RIPCORD has also been certified platinum in Australia and Gold in Canada.

RIPCORD has also produced four #1 country radio singles bringing Urban’s career total #1 singles to twenty two (on Mediabase). This also brings his record-breaking, historic run of consecutive Top 10 songs to an incredible 37 and places Urban at #8 on Billboard’s all-time Country Airplay Chart.

Keith’s significance in the streaming marketplace is undeniable, as his worldwide streams have topped 3.4 BILLION, with over 524 million on RIPCORD alone.  His latest #1 song “Blue Ain’t Your Color” has over 160 million streams and it spent 13 weeks as the most-streamed country song.

In Australia, RIPCORD was 2016’s #2 selling album on the all-genre chart behind Adele’s 25.  It spent 27 weeks in the Top 10.  The album also produced Urban’s first Top 10 and over 6.4 million streams. In Canada, with over 29 million streams, RIPCORD has produced four No. 1 country radio singles, all of which have held the No. 1 spot for 3 weeks or more.

Keith is scaling the country charts with his latest single, “The Fighter,” featuring Carrie Underwood.