As summer concert season unfolds and the autumn calendar begins to take shape, the country music landscape is alive with activity. From major festival milestones to emerging artists and esteemed songwriter accolades, Music Row is offering a robust lineup for fans eager to plan their live music experiences.
Country Thunder Wisconsin Gears Up for Milestone Fan
The largest country music festival brand in North America, Country Thunder, is set to welcome its one millionth fan at the upcoming four-day Country Thunder Wisconsin event. Scheduled to take place from July 17-20 at Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, the festival marks a significant moment in its nearly three-decade history. Since its inception in Wisconsin almost 30 years ago, Country Thunder has established itself as a vital hub for live country music in the Midwest, attracting an immense audience and hosting a multitude of iconic artists. The event has entertained close to one million attendees since 1996, underscoring its enduring legacy and its role in the genre’s live performance circuit.
New Music Videos and Artist Spotlights
Audiences continue to be captivated by the heartfelt country artist Noelle Toland, who has recently released a stunning new music video for her single, “Nashville Numbers.” The video premiered on American Country Network on June 30, 2025, making its broadcast and streaming TV network debut. It is currently in rotation on the network and also available for viewing on YouTube. The song itself can be found on all major digital streaming platforms. “Nashville Numbers” is described as a poignant blend of classic country charm and contemporary storytelling, utilizing a clever play on words to convey deeper meanings and contrasts beyond the surface.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate extensive touring and new releases from a broad spectrum of popular artists. Information regarding tour dates and ticket availability is emerging for artists such as Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Craig Morgan, Lukas Nelson, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, and Zach Top, among many others. This surge in touring activity promises a dynamic summer and fall for country music enthusiasts.
Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees Announced
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has revealed the nominees for its 2025 class, highlighting significant achievements in songwriting. In the Contemporary Songwriters category, nominees include Steve Bogard, Shawn Camp, Don Henry, Gordon Kennedy, Tony Martin, Aimee Mayo, Jim Rushing, and Darrell Scott. The Contemporary Songwriter/Artist category features esteemed nominees such as Jim Lauderdale, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Lucinda Williams, and CeCe Winans, recognizing artists who have made substantial contributions both as performers and writers.
Industry Growth and New Talent at TKO Artist Management
In a move reflecting the evolving industry landscape, Ella Bare has joined TKO Artist Management as Executive Assistant to the President, supporting founder and president TK Kimbrell. Bare, a Nashville native and a May 2025 graduate of The University of Alabama with a degree in Marketing and minors in Advertising and Public Relations, brings a strong academic background to her new role. Cassie Petty, General Manager at TKO Artist Management, commented on these developments, stating, “These developments reflect the culture we’ve worked hard to build—one that values growth, hustle, and a deep commitment to our artists.” TKO Artist Management is known for its boutique approach, representing a curated roster of artists across country, Americana, and rock genres.
Music Row Madness Supports Local Charities
Marking its fifteenth year, Music Row Madness has successfully generated nearly $9,000 in proceeds for its 2025 SOLID Shares partners. This annual event saw seven teams, comprising representatives from FBMM, CAA, Maverick, Curb, Reliant, UTA, and Found Sound Media, participate in bowling to raise funds for charitable organizations including Thistle Farms, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, Hope On The Row, and Equal Access. Zach Green, SOLID President, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s success, stating, “It’s truly a privilege to raise significant contributions each year for such deserving causes, all while cultivating community and having a blast doing it.” The initiative underscores the strong philanthropic spirit within the Music Row community, uniting industry professionals for beneficial causes.
The collective activity, from major festivals to individual artist endeavors and industry-wide charitable efforts, paints a vibrant picture of the country music scene. Fans have ample opportunities to engage with their favorite artists and discover new talent throughout the remainder of the year.
