2025 - Page 19 of 26 - STAGING Maverick

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Grand Ole Oprey Hosts Salute the Troops Performance

The Grand Ole Opry, celebrating its 100th anniversary, honoured the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday with a red carpet parade on Tuesday. In what has become a highlight of the year. the special Salute the Troops Opry performance saw a wide range of artists take part, including Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as a Warrant Officer in the Army Reserve; Opry members John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Rhonda Vincent; as well as Tony Jackson, Scotty Hasting, Sal Gonzalez, the 100th Army Band, and more. The Opry welcomed the 101st Airborne Division Commanding General, Major General Brett Sylvia as its special guest. Major General Sylvia’s military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, five Legions of Merit, six Bronze Star Medals including one for Valor, a Purple Heart, and four Army Commendation Medals, including one for Valor. He also served as a member of units that earned the Presidential Unit Citation, three Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, three Meritorious Unit Citations, and an Army Superior Unit Award. MG Sylvia’s decorations include the Combat Action Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, the Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. His foreign awards include the Polish Army Medal – Bronze, the Romanian Land Forces Award, and Uruguayan and Chilean jump wings. Major General Sylvia and Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as an Army Reserve Warrant Officer, presided over a future soldier swearing-in ceremony live on stage. Portions of this year’s Opry Salute the Troops will air as a special Opry Live on Memorial Day weekend on the Opry Facebook and YouTube channels, streaming free on the Circle Now app, or you can tune in via Circle Country digital streaming partners at 9/8 p.m. CT. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Alan Jackson Plays Final Show On the Road

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After 30 years of touring, country-music legend Alan Jackson has played his final live concert before retirement. The 66-year-old took the stage to close out his Last Call: One More for the Road tour on Saturday, May 17, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. At one point during the concert, Jackson addressed fans in the packed arena and spoke to them about the end of his touring career spanning three long decades. “Y’all may have heard that I’m kinda winding down. In fact, this is my last roadshow of my career,” he said as the crowd erupted into supportive cheers. (A video of the moment was shared on X.) “I appreciate it. Y’all gonna make me tear up out here.” He continued, “It’s been a long, sweet ride; it started 40 years ago this September. My wife and I drove to Nashville with an old U-Haul trailer and chased this dream. It’s been a crazy ride. I lived the American dream, for sure. So blessed. Thank you all so much for all your support of my music and attending my shows.” Jackson’s retirement comes almost four years after he revealed that he’d been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a hereditary affliction that affects his nerves. “I’ve been reluctant to talk about this publicly and to my fans, but it’s been a while, and it’s starting to affect my performance onstage a little bit where I don’t feel comfortable,” the “Livin’ on Love” star shared during a September 2021 appearance on the Today show. He continued, “I just wanted the fans and the public to know if they’ve come to see me in the last few years or if they come to see me in the future if I play anymore, what’s going on. I don’t want them to think I’m drunk onstage because I’m having problems with mobility and balance.” To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Inaugural Country on the Common Festival Unveils London Line-Up

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Country on the Common, set to take place on 5–6 July 2025 at Tooting Common, marks London’s first dedicated outdoor country music festival. The two-day event will showcase a broad spectrum of UK-based country and Americana talent, alongside tribute acts and themed attractions that reflect the genre’s evolving popularity across the UK. Saturday’s programme is headlined by The Shires, one of the UK’s most established country music duos. Also performing are Ward Thomas, a sister act blending country with pop influences; One Night in Nashville, a tribute ensemble performing well-known country hits; and First Time Flyers, a rising quartet making notable inroads in the domestic country scene. Sunday’s headline act is Noah Reid, widely recognised for his role in Schitt’s Creek and increasingly known for his solo music career. Supporting artists include Kezia Gill, known for her dynamic vocal range; Toby Lee, a blues-influenced guitarist with international recognition; and The Folly Brothers, a band known for delivering traditional Americana with contemporary energy. Additional acts include tributes to Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, and Shania Twain, offering accessible entry points for broader audiences while ensuring genre variety. Beyond the stage performances, Country on the Common incorporates a range of interactive and thematic activities. Attendees can take part in lasso challenges, rodeo bull rides, axe throwing, and line dancing sessions, catering to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. Whiskey tasting is provided by a selection of craft distilleries, while younger attendees can enjoy pony rides, an Old West circus, and traditional activities such as the horseshoe toss. Evening activities include campfire s’mores and open-air dining. With a focus on blending live entertainment, family engagement, and Western-themed experiences, Country on the Common is positioning itself as a significant addition to London’s summer event calendar, appealing to both country music fans and general festival-goers. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Annie Bosko Embraces Hope With “God Winks” Release

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Rising singer/songwriter Annie Bosko has released a poignant and powerful new song with “God Winks,” via Stone Country Records. Inspired by real-life moments of serendipity, “God Winks” is a tribute to faith and divine timing during moments of uncertainty. “‘God Winks’ is the song I’m most proud to have written,” shares Bosko. “I was raised in a home where faith was our foundation, and my mom always used the term ‘God winks’ to describe those quiet signs from above that remind us we’re on the right path. For her, it was hummingbirds – a symbol of her grandmother. This song is about those moments when you feel like giving up, and God says, ‘Not yet. I’ve got your back.’ “When we wrote it, it felt like God was in the room and we were vessels channeling something bigger than ourselves,” she adds. “When I sing it live, people cry and to me, that is the greatest gift music can offer: a moment that moves the soul.” Written by Bosko with Rachel Thibodeau, Jet Harvey and Michael Wilkes, and produced by Trent Willmon, the track serves as a tender reminder that even during our darkest or most uncertain moments, we’re never truly alone. As she continues to build momentum towards her anticipated full LP debut later this year, “God Winks” follows “California Cowgirl,” with Celeb Secrets boasting “Annie is bringing her unique blend of West Coast cool and down-to-earth country to the forefront,” as she’s “rewriting the script with her sun-drenched vocals and authentic country roots, proving cowboy boots and Pacific breezes are a perfect match.” A top 40 hit at Country radio, Bosko’s current single, “Better Than You,” a duet with multi-Platinum selling neo-traditionalist Joe Nichols, landed in the top five most-added songs at Country radio for five consecutive weeks, including one week before impact date, as MusicRow boasts the song is “Terrific listening…Goosebump-thrilling sounding.” Fresh off a Mane Stage performance at Stagecoach and her Rodeo Houston debut, Bosko is set to perform at Country Summer Music Festival, the North Dakota State Fair, CMA Music Fest and Headwaters Country Jam later this summer. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Feels Like Home Festival Announces New Music Lineup

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The City of Brownwood has announced the new music lineup for the second annual Feels Like Home Festival returning Saturday, October 4 to the Brownwood Event Center in Brownwood, Texas. With an emphasis on preserving classic Texas traditions while uplifting rising country music talent, fans from across the Lone Star State will be treated to a Saturday performance by some of the most iconic names in Texas music – Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, and Stoney LaRue – each of whom are considered godfathers of the Red Dirt genre and together helped bring Texas Country music to a national stage over the past two-plus decades. These true Texas legends will be joined by several existing and fast-rising acts based across the state including Bottomland (Conroe), who continue to release a string of smash hit singles leading up to their highly anticipated debut album release; the five-piece Graham St. Clair Band (Waco), who released release their first-ever single “Outlaw Bill” under the new band name (formerly known as West Texas Mind); and more. “We are thrilled with this year’s music lineup for the second annual Feels Like Home Festival,” said Mayor of Brownwood Stephen E. Haynes. “We encourage residents and visitors to enjoy this year’s event and experience all the great things Brownwood has to offer.” After a successful year 1 last fall, organisers are turning up the heat with a new slate of exciting additions – from extended start times and unlimited BBQ tastings to enhanced VIP perks and flexible payment options. Originally built as a warehouse for the Radford Grocery Company in the 1920s, the reimagined Ice House building on Lee Street will host the festival’s main stage with ample space for fans to sprawl across the open-air lawn while two-stepping the day away. Organisers will also be inviting a number of talented artists from the greater Brownwood area to perform on a smaller secondary stage in order to help shine a light on the incredible local music talent found in the region. If the chart-topping and local country music acts weren’t enough, Feels Like Home Festival will once again welcome a mouthwatering and carefully curated selection of craft barbecue joints for fans to devour onsite – all of which are based in the Lone Star State. Whether fans are dancing to their favourite country tunes, savouring the flavours of authentic Texas BBQ, or simply soaking in the unique charm and warmth of Brownwood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Feels Like Home Festival. Produced by Soundskilz in partnership with the City of Brownwood, organisers hope to provide residents with incredible performances from some of today’s most sought-after country music acts set to the backdrop of Brownwood’s brand-new top-of-the-line event center, while providing a positive and substantial economic impact to the local community. GA and VIP tickets to the outdoor celebration of rural Texas, country music, and authentic Texas BBQ are on sale via www.FeelsLikeHomeFest.com. Fans are encouraged to purchase passes as soon as possible, with prices increasing as the event date approaches To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Country Goes Global Returns to Music City this Summer

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Country Goes Global, presented by Nashville Meets London, returns to Music City this summer for an international showcase of rising and established country artists from across the globe. Taking place Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day at Luke Combs-inspired Category 10, this free event invites fans to experience a diverse lineup of talented country artists from around the world. Building on the success of its 2024 event at Chief’s on Broadway last June, Country Goes Global continues its mission to spotlight artists from around the world and promote the expansion of country music on an international scale. This year’s lineup will once again feature standout performers from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond. In 2024, Country Goes Global welcomed a dynamic roster of artists, including Casey Barnes, Hailey Benedict, Kristian Bush, Wesley Dean, Aaron Goodvin, Lane Pittman, Owen Riegling, Sacha, Sheppard, Alli Walker, and more. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Chris Tomlin Announces 2025 Fall Tour

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Chris Tomlin, one of the most successful Christian touring artists in the world, will bring his powerful night of worship back to its roots and where it all began – in churches across the country. “Worship is transformational when experienced together – there is nothing like the people of God, singing the praises of God, in the presence of God.,” said Tomlin. “These nights of worship are different from any other night of music—your soul is singing to a living God.” An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin will offer an intimate and powerful experience, featuring the anthems that have shaped generations of believers and inspired countless journeys of faith. “An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin” will launch on September 17 at Eastern Hills Church in Buffalo, NY and hit 20 cities across the U.S. “Worship has been going on long before we set foot on this earth – and it will continue long after we are gone. Every night, in each of these rooms across the country, we get to experience a little touch – a little glimpse – of heaven as we gather together, worship, and express our hearts and love to an Almighty God.” added Tomlin. The Grammy Award winner will be joined by and will introduce The Heritage for their inaugural tour. This dynamic collective of worship leaders, brought together under the leadership of Joshua Phillips, blends the timeless nature of worship music with the creativity of a fresh, innovative spirit. The tour will be promoted by TPR and sponsored by Food For The Hungry. “An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin” follows on the heels of his upcoming unique “Worship Under The Stars” concert series being held in three spectacular outdoor venues – Central Park in New York City (July 11), Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore (July 12) and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Colorado (Oct. 21). This year is proving to be another milestone year for Tomlin across music, touring and TV & film. With another sold out Bridgestone Arena on April 18, 2025, he ties Taylor Swift in the #2 spot for ranking of artists who have headlined Bridgestone Arena. Tomlin’s version of “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” served as part of Spotify’s first ever Spotify Singles Easter campaign. Another marker of Tomlin’s year lies at the intersection of faith, music, and history with the release of “The First Hymn,” a song he co-wrote with friend Ben Fielding using the lyric and musical notations from the oldest surviving Christian hymn ever found. The First Hymn follows on the heels of his involvement in the THE LAST SUPPER movie, where he not only executive-produced but also recorded, mixed, mastered, and released (all in seven weeks) his song “No Greater Love,” as the End Credits song for the film. This achievement was preceded by Tomlin’s involvement in the Amazon Prime Video series, ‘House of David’ with his song, “After Your Heart” included in the soundtrack. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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MusiCares Charity to host Second Annual Mindful May

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MusiCares, the leading charity supporting the health and well-being of the music community, will host the second annual Mindful May, presented in collaboration with Sweetwater. The event will take place on May 21 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside Revival in Nashville, offering a restorative experience to support the unique mental, physical and emotional needs of music professionals during Mental Health Awareness Month. In recent months, conversations about the pressures facing music professionals have become more visible and urgent. Following the overwhelming response to last year’s inaugural gathering in Los Angeles, MusiCares and Sweetwater are bringing the event to Nashville. The “Music City” is home to thousands of artists, engineers, songwriters, road crews, and other music professionals who navigate some of the most high-pressure and unpredictable conditions in any industry. “Mindful May amplifies the important role that our industry can play in supporting music makers’ mental health and overall well-being,” explained Sweetwater CEO Mike Clem. “We serve with heart and strive to care for musicians throughout their journey – and MusiCares shares that commitment.” In such a fast-paced industry, this event gives music professionals a chance to slow down, check in with themselves, and discover new ways to care for their minds and bodies. An extension of MusiCares’ ongoing care for the music community, Mindful May provides an intentional space to explore how mindfulness practices can contribute to long-term health. This year’s event will feature immersive wellness experiences including a group sound bath, yoga, massage therapy, holistic chiropractic services, mental health providers, custom ear mold fittings, a guided tea ceremony, a meditation station, and nourishing refreshments. “Mindful May was created to meet people where they are and give them mental health tools they can carry into everyday life,” said Marshai Iverson, Managing Director of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery at MusiCares and curator of the event. “Traditional therapy isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Especially in the music industry, where the pace is relentless and the pressure never lets up, it’s crucial to offer support in ways that truly resonate with creatives. Every element of Mindful May has been intentionally curated to provide accessible, meaningful ways for artists and industry professionals to care for their mental and physical health.” Guests will also be invited to attend a panel conversation with a lineup of music professionals and experts sharing their personal stories about navigating mental health, touring, creative pressure, and healing. The discussion, led by moderator Candress Suber of MusiCares with panelists including renowned psychologist Dave Verhaagen and musical artists Drake White and Grace Bowers, will offer honest, lived-in perspectives on the often-unseen tolls of life in music, along with the practices that help these artists stay grounded, resilient, and connected to themselves and their communities. “We were so moved by the response to last year’s Mindful May event, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Nashville this year,” said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “Mindful May reflects what we believe at our core – that caring for music professionals requires more than just one-size-fits-all solutions. It takes a holistic approach that acknowledges the complexity of their lives and meets them with dignity, empathy and real tools for wellness. We’re proud to grow this effort alongside Sweetwater and offer a moment of healing for the community that gives so much to all of us.” Throughout the event, attendees will also be able to connect with MusiCares staff and learn more about the organization’s year-round services and support programs. From preventive care to recovery assistance, MusiCares remains a trusted and compassionate safety net for those in the music community when they need help. The organisation is committed to making wellness more accessible and empowering for all music people. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Avery Anna’s Album ‘Let Go Letters’ Set for Release

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Warner Music Nashville singer-songwriter Avery Anna is all set to release her sophomore album, let go letters. Inspired by personal stories from her fans, let go letters is Avery’s latest manifestation of a lifelong devotion to making music that feeds the soul. Last week, the Arizona native debuted a new track from the project, “what are friends for?”, an introspective ballad about friend breakups. “Girl drama is a real thing, and I love how that song captures the experience of feeling frustrated and betrayed and guilty all at the same time” Avery says. Every song on let go letters is inspired by real-life situations that her fans shared with her in a letter series, which has long been a safe place for her listener community to ‘let go’ of experiences that may be troubling them by writing them down and sending them off. Avery read these letters and took the general themes, anything from depression, abuse, addiction, body dysmorphia, and fractured family relationships, and turned them into songs, making her fans’ experiences the center of the project to let them know they’re heard, seen, and not alone. “I started asking people for their letters because I wanted to give them some kind of emotional outlet, but they ended up shifting my whole perspective on so many things in life” says Avery. “After a while, it felt almost impossible not to write about the letters, and over time, this album became a way to thank everyone for being so vulnerable and sharing their lives with me”. Looking back on the emotional whirlwind of creating let go letters, Avery reveals that the album profoundly strengthened her sense of purpose. “There was a period of time where I felt so sad from reading all the letters; some were so tragic that I memorized them” she says. “But I kept coming back to the fact that it’s my duty as an artist to help people cope with their feelings, which really eased my mind. I think it’s a beautiful thing to connect with a stranger on a level where you can truly see them for who they are, and hold the door open for them to hopefully find some peace. So as heavy as this whole process was, in the end it was just as uplifting”. Thanks to her boundless empathy, as well as the subtle force and spellbinding power of her vocal work, Avery inhabits the album with a depth of emotion that makes every lyric feel undeniably lived-in. Featuring 14 tracks all penned or co-penned by Avery and produced by David Fanning, let go letters follows the singer-songwriter’s celebrated 2024 debut album, Breakup Over Breakfast. The new project includes her recently released “danny don’t”, which Billboard praised her “sterling, gripping vocal that she wraps around this response to a letter from a fan who was battling internal struggles and contemplating giving up on life”. Country Central called the song “empathetically comforting”, noting that it “makes a strong statement for Anna’s songwriting talent.” “Mr. Predictable,” another previously released track on the highly anticipated project, has quickly become a fan favourite. Holler lauded that the track “doubles down on the powerful, deeply vulnerable and conversational ambiance the country prodigy has always laced into her music…that feels like she’s drawing straight from her journal”. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Joe Nolan Releases New Single “Wake Up Sleepy Anna”

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Edmonton-based artist Joe Nolan has released his highly-anticipated new single “Wake Up Sleepy Anna”. A powerful anthem that reflects the central themes of his upcoming album, Luv in the New World, the single was inspired by a fictional Russian princess named Anna and captures a universal cry for hope in dark times. “At its heart is Anna, a fictional character who symbolises hope in a time of darkness and despair,” Nolan explains. “She represents light, and this song serves as a universal cry for the betterment of humankind. We all pray for love in the new world.” Anna sets out to save the world, carrying a torch for those fearful of the future – an emotional call for love and healing in a troubled world. Hailed by Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail as “an Americana wunderkind to watch out for,” Joe Nolan is ready to take his career to the next level with Luv in the New World, produced by Grammy Award-winner Tyler Chester. Recorded live in Los Angeles with an all-star lineup including Jay Bellerose on drums and Sebastian Steinberg on bass, the album showcases Nolan’s genre-defying sound. A virtuoso guitarist and elusive poet, Nolan’s raw lyrics and dynamic stage presence continue to captivate audiences across North America and Europe. Known for his scrappy solo shows and his ability to weave haunting ballads with grit-soaked blues, Nolan is gearing up for a breakout year – with “Wake Up Sleepy Anna” set to be just the beginning. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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