Raised on classic country and the blues, Julianna Rankin finds herself influenced by a spectrum of artists ranging from Keith Whitley, Bobbie Gentry and Waylon Jennings to Bonnie Raitt, Carole King and James Taylor. Her journey into the industry began in 2018, when she took a headfirst dive towards discovering her artistry while attending Texas A&M University. Since then, Julianna has made her home in New Braunfels, TX, to which she credits a strong circle of talented musicians and local collaboration for recent successes. In the past year, the young singer-songwriter has found herself opening for artists such as Robert Earl Keen, Stoney LaRue, Randall King, Django Walker, Adam Hood, Jason Eady, William Beckmann, Midnight River Choir and more. With her strong vocals and soul-penetrating lyrics, Julianna demands attention from the growing audiences that are lucky enough to catch her sets.
Jesse Keith Whitley has generations of country music pumping through his veins. The son of Lorrie Morgan and the late Keith Whitley, and grandson of Grand Ole Opry legend George Morgan, Jesse was born with the gift of singing and songwriting. At age 23, Jesse has launched into his own career by signing with Octabrook Entertainment for touring and recording projects.
His debut EP, Kentucky Thunder (produced by James Stroud) includes the rockin’ country title cut, a poignant cover of his father’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes”—with back-up vocals courtesy of Mom!—and “Can’t Drive You From My Mind” which Jesse co-wrote with Jon Randall (“Whiskey Lullaby”).
Jesse has toured with his mother, playing popular venues in the Nashville area and all across the country. His performances have driven packed houses to their feet as he delivers his own brand of country, a mix of heartfelt ballads, southern rock and hard drivin’ country.
He may have sprung from music legends, but Jesse is no “re-run.” Kentucky Thunder provides the different sides of Jesse Keith and his music. He embraces his traditional country roots and includes a pleasing mix of outlaw country, rough and raw southern rock, and a tender side as well.
“I know I have big shoes to fill,” Jesse says, “but I want to do it my own way. I am so grateful that my name has opened doors, but I plan to earn the right to stay inside those doors.”
It is clear that Jesse Keith Whitley is eager to craft his own distinctive style as both a singer and songwriter while still tipping his hat to tradition. This third generation singer/songwriter is here to work and here to stay.
Although they both grew up in Alabama, Holly Halcomb and Stewart Halcomb of The Springs first met playing the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. “Up before me was this girl. She sounded great. She was beautiful. I instantly knew I had to talk to her,” says Stewart. Little did they know they would become partners, offstage and on, amassing over one million streams across platforms, and opening for stars like Florida Georgia Line, Kelly Clarkson, Reba, Little Big Town, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, and many more.
When it comes to The Springs, the only real surprise is that it didn’t happen sooner. “It took three or four years before we became a duo,” explains Stewart. “We didn’t pursue anything initially but the more we dated, we realized that we made a great team,” details Holly, “We each have our strengths, and when we put them together, people in the industry noticed.”
Once together, there was no stopping them. Their live shows began to endear them to a rapidly growing fan base; they have made regular appearances at CMA Music Festival; charted on the Billboard Country Chart with their release, “Old Fashioned,” hitting #33; and their albums have landed on top 10 lists on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon Music. But perhaps most importantly, the two are married.
“We got engaged at the Bluebird, right where we met,” smiles Stewart, “I was able to get her parents and my parents there on both sides of the stage. It was magical.” Several years on, they are strong as ever, with new music coming in the summer and more. God has truly blessed us in so many ways. We are so thankful for the success we’ve had thus far, and are so excited to see what happens next,” says Holly, “The best part is I get to do it with my best friend, and the person I love the most.”
Lucas Leon hails from Gallatin, Tennessee, just 30 minutes north of Nashville aka “Music City.”In a town full of transplants, he’s what we call “born and bred.” The singer-songwriter began playing piano at six years old and picked up the guitar shortly after. “The first song I learned on guitar was Chris Stapleton’s ‘Millionaire,’” says Leon, “and from there I was hooked.” It didn’t take long for Music Row to take notice, and soon a serious songwriter emerged. Honing his craft with some of Nashville’s finest, he’s penned well over a hundred songs in the last two years. Reminiscent of a young Taylor Swift, he has drive, talent and determination. And like Taylor, is seriously likeable. Leon recently reached Top 9 on Season 24 of American Idol, showcasing his talent on a national stage.
On the vocal front, Leon has been compared to Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan, but his musicianship truly sets him apart. Equally as inspired by a great guitar lick as he is a great lyric, one can’t help but see a young Keith Urban or John Mayer emerging. Growing up on a mix of country and blues, it’s not hard to hear a little Ray Charles making his way into the mix too. Leon lives and breathes music, and his work ethic matches his determination. While Leon easily fits into the current Americana/Country landscape, his goal is to outlive any current trend and truly bring a style that can go the distance. He knows it takes laser-focus, “There is no ‘Plan-B,”Leon says, and he means it.
Rooted in family, faith, and real country music storytelling, The Parks are a father-son duo from Gallatin, Tennessee blending classic country influences with authentic Southern charm. Led by veteran songwriter and former Atlantic Records artist Johnny Park alongside his son Clint Park, the duo delivers heartfelt harmonies, powerful songwriting, and a live show filled with energy, humor, and generations of musical chemistry. From Nashville writers’ rooms to stages across the South, The Parks carry on a family tradition of country music that feels both timeless and fresh.
Music his been a part of Eric Blankenship’s life since he was a boy. At 12 years old he won a vocal contest and knew that singing and performing were going to be a part of his life forever. As a young adult, he made a living as an entertainer in his home state of Texas. Achieving what he set out to do, he aimed his sights on Nashville, with one big dream... He KNEW he was going to be successful in the music business and in 1992, he put the wheels in motion and made the pilgrimage to Tennessee.
While he was navigating the music business, Eric started driving tour buses to make some extra money. That decision has helped him achieve more success than he ever imagined ‘in the business’ just not in the way he envisioned. With his savvy mechanical partner, Eric started All Access Coach Leasing in 2002, which now leases buses to A List country artists and celebrities that tour across the United States. These ‘homes on wheels’ are some of the best in the business, carrying the hottest stars to the most amazing venues in the country.
His love for singing and music has only grown. Eight years ago Eric started singing on the praise and worship team for a large church in Gallatin, Tennessee. In 2015 Eric decided that he was going to record a traditional country album, in the way he wanted to do it, with the songs that he wanted to cut. With a deep love of music of all kinds, country speaks to his heart and his early love of meaningful songs. Rollin’ With the Flow is more than just a way to deal with the twists and turns life throws at you. This album completes the loop of a long journey from Texas to Nashville, with a few detours along the road.
Exile formed in 1963 looking to play small clubs in Richmond, Kentucky, but managed to top both the pop and country charts during their over 55 year-long career. Their most successful hit, “Kiss You All Over” spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart in 1978. In the early 1980’s Exile started to focus on country music. During their run on the country charts Exile has successfully had ten No. 1 singles including “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory” and “Give Me One More Chance.” The hit song "Kiss You All Over" was used in the 1996 Adam Sandler movie “Happy Gilmore” and in the 2006 film “Employee of the Month.” They have toured with acts including Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers and The Judds. The 5 original Exile members re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour today. Current members of the band include J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Steve Goetzman. 2021 celebrates 58 years for the band and 43rd anniversary of the hit song “Kiss You All Over.”
Kick off Pigfest 2025 with a legendary bang as The Oak Ridge Boys take the stage! With decades of chart-topping hits, Grammy-winning harmonies, and unforgettable energy, these icons are bringing their signature sound to Hendersonville for an epic night of music and memories.
From “Elvira” to “American Made,” their timeless classics have been the soundtrack of generations—and now, they’re headlining the Pigfest 2025 Kickoff Concert! Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering their magic for the first time, get ready for a night filled with foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’, soul-liftin’ country goodness.
The legends are live. The crowd will be electric. The memories? Unforgettable.
Don’t miss The Oak Ridge Boys at Pigfest 2025!
Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery is having a good time – and it shows.
As one of the most recognizable voices in a generation of country singers, Montgomery continues to tour coast-to-coast behind a time-tested collection of rowdy and heartfelt songs. That collection grows with the new release – Home Run, a six-song EP that includes hard-workin’ stories, fatherly wisdom, brotherly appreciation and a boot-stomping reworking of Montgomery Gentry’s first single “Hillbilly Shoes.”
With five No. 1 country radio hits, a Grand Ole Opry membership and a Kentucky Music Hall of Fame induction under his belt as part of Montgomery Gentry, the man in the hat shows no signs of slowing down. After all, why would anyone walk away from a dream-come-true?
“I’m livin’ life,” Montgomery said. “I’m so happy that I gotta sit on my hands to keep ‘em from wavin’ at everybody.”
Home Run debuted Nov. 1 via Average Joes Entertainment. Ahead of the release, Montgomery unleashed a 25th anniversary edition of “Hillbilly Shoes,” a signature country-rocker originally released as Montgomery Gentry’s first single and the opening track of the duo’s debut album Tattoos & Scars.
The song comes as part of a promise Montgomery and his partner Troy Gentry once made to each other – if one of them ever passed away, the other would carry on the Montgomery Gentry legacy. Sadly, Gentry died in a 2017 helicopter crash.
“I’m keepin’ it going, I’m keepin’ my promise,” Montgomery said. “A day don’t go by I don’t talk about him. A day don’t go by I don’t miss him.”
Alongside his new take on “Hillbilly Shoes,” the EP includes a can’t-miss cast of collaborators and co-writers, such as powerhouse Music Row hitmakers Ashley Gorley and Bobby Pinson, breakout singer-songwriter Bryan Martin and his brother John Michael Montgomery, among others.
As a tenured vocalist and storyteller, what does Montgomery look for in a song? It’s got to be real – like the stories shared sitting on a barstool after a long day.
“I just like real country music,” Montgomery said. “I can’t sing a song I don’t really know about. It’s very, very hard. [A good song], it makes you pour your soul out. It’ll make you feel better. It’ll get you through whatever you’re going through.”
Home Run opens with the working class anthem “Cost Of Being Me,” which features Bryan, a labelmate that Montgomery described as being “cut from the same cloth.” In the down-to-earth chorus, Montgomery sings, “I drink my whiskey from the well/ My souls for loan but ain’t for sale/ I've had my daddy pay my bail/ That kind of hell just don't come cheap/ If I had half of what I lost/ I'd be just a little bit better off/ I've paid a lot for being free … Yeah, that's the cost of being me.” The EP continues with the title track, a song about knowing how to find home when it matters most. Gorley, a fellow native of Danville, Kentucky, co-wrote the song.
“I run into his dad at Lowe’s all the time,” Montgomery said, laughing. “I heard ‘Home Run’ and was like, ‘Man, this reminds me how I feel going home. When I cross that Kentucky state line, it’s like, baby I’m home.’ I looked and said, ‘well, hell, Ashley Gorey wrote that song.’”
And Home Run includes an acoustic rendition of “My Son,” a 2021 song Montgomery co-wrote for the feature film Old Henry. A reflective number that carries the weight of fatherhood, Montgomery sings, “My son, please don't make mistakes I've made/ No don't chase the things I've chased/ Don't waste your life on the run/ My son, go ahead and spread your wings/ But while you're reaching for your dreams/ There's one thing you can't outrun/ You'll always be my son.”
For the release, Montgomery also offers a duet that can only be shared between kin – “Brotherly Love,” a taste of country nostalgia featuring John Michael Montgomery, Eddie Montgomery’s younger brother. The two grew up surrounded by music, from kids watching their parents gig at local nightclubs to playing in bands together as teenagers and beyond.
On singing with his brother “John-boy,” Montgomery said: “My dad always said, ‘If one of us got an apple, all of us got an apple.’ We always had each other’s back through music.”
Montgomery will take the new songs on the road and he doesn’t plan to slow down any time soon. Why? He’s having too much fun, of course. Or, in his words: “I want to play until the good man upstairs goes, ‘Well, I need ya now.’”
Website: www.montgomerygentry.com
Facebook: Montgomery Gentry
Instagram: montgomerygentry
The Frontmen features the dynamic voices of 90’s country legends: Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Larry Stewart (of Restless Heart) and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas).
From their rave review performances around the globe for our troops, to casinos, fairs and corporate events, to their globally televised performance on the steps of the hallowed Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, The Frontmen are making their mark on the Country music scene.
Stewart, Rushlow and McDonald have collectively sold over 30 million records and had over 30 major hits between them. They have a chemistry and brotherhood seldom matched and they have logged the travel miles to prove it, wowing audiences around the globe with their brand of highly successful intimate unplugged shows.
Powerhouse hits performed by the Frontmen of Country include Restless Heart classics, “The Bluest Eyes in Texas,” “That Rock Won’t Roll,” “I’ll Still Be Loving You” and “Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right). Lonestar smashes such as “Amazed,” “Smile,” and “I’m Already There,” plus Little Texas hits including “God Blessed Texas,” “Amy’s Back in Austin,” and “What Might Have Been.” These songs and many others included in their shows are the soundtrack of a generation.
With their combined amazing vocal and instrumental talents, The Frontmen deliver a high energy show packed with fan-favorites from their three award-winning and critically-acclaimed bands, and also songs from some of the artists who have influenced them. The Frontmen deliver a truly one-of-a-kind concert experience.
Their stage is a place where they take you on a magical journey to the stories behind the songs. A place where the listener’s heart meets the singers’ hearts who made the songs famous, with an emotional impact that leaves audiences spellbound. The Frontmen deliver a show that is powerful, engaging, and authentic.
Website: www.thefrontmenlive.com
Facebook: The Frontmen Live
Twitter: @thefrontmenlive
Instagram: thefrontmenlive
