Country Music Honors: Tim McGraw, songwriter Paul Overstreet and bluegrass duo the Stanley Brothers were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at a Nashville ceremony. Arts Education: Knoxville Children’s Theatre received a $2 million Boyd Foundation gift for its plan to turn the historic Foundry building into a permanent arts education center, with performance halls, classrooms and rehearsal space. Memphis Arts: RiverArtsFest marked its 20th year, celebrating the city’s creative community. Live Music: The Chicks are returning to Nashville for a concert, while Jackson Symphony is bringing Dolly Parton’s music to the stage. Music Tourism: A new federal law, backed by a Tennessee senator, directs the Commerce Department to promote travel to U.S. music sites and events.
AGP Executive Report
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Tennessee Football: The Vols upset No. 6 Alabama 26-10 at Neyland Stadium, strengthening their College Football Playoff hopes. Tennessee climbed to No. 11 in the AP poll as Alabama dropped to No. 13. Tennessee Tech also routed Eastern Kentucky 49-20, led by Jax Leatherwood’s three touchdown passes. Music & Stage: Dolly Parton’s songs get a symphonic showcase with the Jackson Symphony, while Knoxville Opera announced a free Nov. 11 Veterans Day concert featuring the U.S. Army Chorus. The Chicks returned to Nashville for a concert, and Riley Green released “Alabama vs. Tennessee,” a collaboration with Peyton Manning. Nashville & Memphis: Nashville SC beat Sporting Kansas City 4-0 to extend its Supporters’ Shield lead. Memphis is gearing up for its home opener with Grizz Week events, and ESPN’s SportsCenter will visit the city for the East Carolina matchup. On Screen: This week’s streaming arrivals include the live-action “Moana” and a new John Legend album.
Vols’ Big Win: Tennessee beat Alabama 26-10 in Knoxville, shutting out the Tide in the second half during a historic Saturday of college football upsets. Halloween in Bristol: Downtown festivities build toward the Oct. 31 parade along the Tennessee-Virginia state line, with ghost walks, live radio dramas and other events on the calendar. Tennessee Music: The Jackson Symphony is bringing Dolly Parton’s music to life, while Nashville musician and producer Mark Rogers made his Hot Tamale Festival debut in Greenville. Live Music: The Jonas Brothers performed with their father in Nashville, and The Chicks returned to Music City for a concert. Public Radio: WETS-FM’s fall fund drive runs Oct. 19-24 as the Tri-Cities station works to make up for nearly $100,000 in lost annual federal funding.
Nashville Live Music: Olivia O’Brien brought nostalgia and new songs to an intimate Basement East show, while the Jonas Brothers performed in town with their dad. Country Collaborations: Riley Green teamed up with Peyton Manning for “Alabama vs. Tennessee,” a timely release ahead of the rivalry game. Touring Acts: The Chicks returned to Nashville for a concert built around empowerment and their catalog of hits. Memphis Arts: Ballet Memphis is pairing its “Memphis Sounds” performance with an Etowah dinner experience. Local Stages: Hometown musician Dani Stacy returns to the Fox Theater on Nov. 7.
Dolly Tribute: Miley Cyrus broke down while singing “Jolene” in honor of her late godmother, Dolly Parton, at a sold-out Hollywood Bowl concert. Nashville This Weekend: The 37th annual Southern Festival of Books brings author talks, signings and family activities to downtown venues, while Teddy Swims plays Bridgestone Arena. Music Industry: A new federal law backed by a Tennessee senator aims to promote travel to U.S. music sites and events. Arts Funding: The Nashville Symphony narrowly avoided a financial setback, keeping a key local arts institution in focus. Gospel Music: Nashville’s 57th Dove Awards honored Parton and gospel artists, celebrating the genre’s legacy and emerging voices.
Nashville Music: Kings of Leon’s new video for “KOYSAR” offers a family-day-out glimpse ahead of the band’s album O My Beloved, due Nov. 6. New Releases: Nashville-based Caryn Dixon released “Star of Boscobel” on Oct. 16, with a local listening event and an EP planned for Nov. 27. Belles’ debut album also features “Son of Jolene,” a Dolly Parton duet inspired by the country classic. Live Shows: The Chicks brought their Taking the Long Way anniversary show to Nashville’s Truth, with Sheryl Crow joining the performance. Arts & Events: Ballet Memphis is pairing its Memphis Sounds presentation with an Etowah dinner experience, while RiverArtsFest brings art and activity to the city. Music Industry: The American Music Tourism Act is now law, directing federal efforts to promote U.S. music destinations and events—a boost for Tennessee’s music-travel scene.
Nashville Music: Singer-songwriter Riley Biederer, who works between Nashville and Los Angeles, has signed a publishing deal with Reservoir covering her catalog and future songs. Music Tourism: A new federal law backed by a Tennessee senator aims to promote travel to U.S. music sites and events. Local Arts: The Nashville Symphony has narrowly avoided a financial crunch, while its challenges reflect wider pressures facing arts groups. Remembering a Broadcaster: Jimmy Carter, a longtime Nashville country music reporter who interviewed stars including Dolly Parton, has died at 73. Fan Events: The Grizzlies are offering free events and ticket giveaways ahead of their Oct. 21 home opener, and Banana Ball returns to Knoxville’s Covenant Health Park for two games in 2027. Country Spotlight: Riley Green and Peyton Manning released their Alabama-Tennessee rivalry song as Green announced a 2027 tour.
Grammy Watch: Nashville-based singer-songwriter Prana Kishore secured five official entries for the 2027 Grammy Awards across two albums, spanning dance-pop, global music and ambient categories. Live Music: Live Nation’s new three-story Nashville venue, The Truth, can host up to 4,400 fans; Miranda Lambert headlined its opening night. Music Tourism: President Trump signed the American Music Tourism Act, backed by a Tennessee senator, to promote music-related travel and events. Remembering Jimmy Carter: The longtime Nashville entertainment reporter, known for interviews with Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, has died at 73. Arts Support: Oracle’s backing helped Nashville Symphony avoid an immediate financial shortfall.
Live Music: Matchbox Twenty is marking 30 years of Yourself or Someone Like You with a 52-date tour that includes Nashville; tickets go on sale Oct. 23. Music Legacy: Nashville broadcaster Jimmy Carter, a longtime country music and entertainment reporter who interviewed Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, has died at 73. Arts Calendar: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s Fifth at the Tennessee Theatre Oct. 15–16, while Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors opens Oct. 16 at Theatre Knoxville Downtown. Music Tourism: President Trump signed a bipartisan bill backed by Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn to promote travel to music landmarks, venues and festivals. Opry Honors: Songwriter Rhett Akins celebrated his Grand Ole Opry induction in Nashville with son Thomas Rhett and fellow country artists. Community Arts: Martin’s Empty Bowls returns Oct. 17 with handmade ceramics, music and kids’ art, raising money for a local food pantry. Nashville SC: The club beat Sporting Kansas City 4-0 to extend its winning streak to four and strengthen its Supporters’ Shield lead.
Dolly Parton Estate: Her nephew Bryan Seaver denies threatening Parton’s estate and says messages cited in a restraining-order filing were private exchanges with her longtime manager. Nashville Attractions: A new Dolly Parton hotel and museum has opened in the city, keeping the country icon’s legacy in the spotlight. Live Music: Phoebe Bridgers made a surprise appearance with Bright Eyes at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville; Riley Green and Peyton Manning also teamed up for an Alabama-Tennessee rivalry song. Memphis Music: Tay Keith, the Memphis-born producer behind hits for Drake, Travis Scott and other stars, died at 29 in Nashville; authorities attributed his death to an accidental overdose. Tennessee Arts: Tennessee Tech will host its 29th annual Bacchanal art auction on Oct. 26.
Dolly’s Nashville Legacy: A new hotel and museum celebrate Dolly Parton’s ties to Music City, as her nephew denies threatening her estate and challenges a restraining order. Ryman Health Concerns: Beach Boys frontman Mike Love performed seated at the Ryman, telling fans he has been dealing with health issues; former bandmate Al Jardine said the footage left him concerned. Nashville Songwriters: Stars and Guitars puts songwriters in the spotlight at the Crown, while the 9th annual Musicians Medical Fund benefit is set for Oct. 17 at The Point. Arts Calendar: Tennessee Tech’s School of Art, Craft & Design will host its 29th annual Bacchanal on Oct. 26.
Nashville Music: Kane and Katelyn Brown celebrated their eighth anniversary at a Halloween party at his Broadway bar. Dolly Tribute: A two-hour CMA special honoring Dolly Parton will air Wednesday from Belmont University, with performances by Lainey Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and other stars. Art & Craft: Tennessee Tech’s Oct. 26 Bacchanal auction will raise scholarship funds, with student musicians providing live jazz. Classical Music: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents the Tennessee premiere of Bernstein’s Songfest alongside Tchaikovsky on Oct. 15–16. Live Performance: Johnson County Community Theater stages Once Upon a Mattress Oct. 16–24; Studio Tenn’s Nov. 14 benefit cabaret features Disney Legend Susan Egan. Nashville Songwriting: Laura Veltz’s Songwriter Soup podcast has launched its fifth season and become a nonprofit sharing guidance for music creators.
Nashville Music: Riley Green teamed up with Peyton Manning on “Alabama Vs. Tennessee,” a playful rivalry song timed for Saturday’s game in Knoxville. Kristin Chenoweth also paid tribute to Dolly Parton on a historic Nashville stage, while Jack White reunited the Raconteurs at a Nashville show. Podcasting: Nashville startup Rebel Audio is targeting $10 million in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered tools for recording, editing and distributing podcasts. Fall Arts & Events: Franklin’s PumpkinFest expands to two days, Oct. 24–25, with live music, costume contests and more than 200 vendors. Knoxville’s Ijams Nature Center hosts Hallo-Week Oct. 20–31, including spooky poetry, improv and family activities. Local Arts: Tennessee Tech’s annual Bacchanal art auction is set for Oct. 26, and the inaugural Memphis Jazz Festival brought new sounds downtown. Dolly Parton: Her SongTeller Hotel is drawing attention as a Nashville attraction inspired by the country star’s vision.
Nashville Live Music: Jack White reunited the Raconteurs during a two-night run at The Truth, with local acts Snooper and Bully opening. Phoebe Bridgers also drew fans to Bridgestone Arena for a phone-free show built around her new album, Lost Weekend. Music City Arts: The Nashville Symphony has a new lifeline from Oracle, while a hands-on Hatch Show Print workshop invites families to make art with historic carved blocks. Fall Plans: A new Middle Tennessee Halloween guide rounds up haunted woods and houses open through October and into November. Tennessee Sports: The Vols rallied past Arkansas 24-17, with first-time starter George MacIntyre throwing for 247 yards and DeSean Bishop rushing for the winning touchdown.
Nashville Music: The Beach Boys played the Ryman with Mike Love, despite his serious health challenges. John Stamos said he hopes it wasn’t their last show together. Nashville Rock: Jack White reunited the Raconteurs during a hometown gig. Hands-On Arts: Hatch Show Print is inviting families to try printing with its hand-carved blocks at a Nashville workshop. Memphis Music: The inaugural Memphis Jazz Festival brought a new sound to downtown. Community Events: Cleveland’s Oct. 31 Halloween block party will feature live music, a costume contest and candy for kids.
Nashville Live Music: Jack White reunited the Raconteurs during a Nashville show, while Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville speakeasy has taken on a vampire theme. Memphis Festivals: Widespread Panic brought Ivan Neville, Chuck Leavell and Randall Bramblett onstage at Mempho Music Festival; downtown also hosted the inaugural Memphis Jazz Festival. Music City Attractions: Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum and Song Teller Hotel are now open in Nashville, celebrating the country star’s legacy. Coming to Tennessee: Nickelback announced 2027 tour stops in Nashville and Knoxville.
Memphis Music: The inaugural Memphis Jazz Festival brought 16 local musicians to downtown, adding a new showcase for the city’s homegrown jazz scene. Nashville SC: The club ended Austin FC’s eight-match unbeaten run with a 4-1 road win, strengthening its grip on the Eastern Conference lead. Music City Attractions: Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum and Song Teller Hotel have opened in Nashville, celebrating the country icon’s career and legacy. On Tour: Nickelback announced 2027 Nashville and Knoxville dates on its Everything Under the Sun tour. Tennessee Sports: The Vols rallied past Arkansas 24-17, while Memphis beat UAB 38-13.
Public Art: Midtown Memphis is adding color to the streetscape with an artsy makeover at Madison and Avalon. Live Music: A Nashville drummer who has survived cancer four times is taking the stage at Skydeck for a benefit supporting patients. Nashville Sound: Songwriter Bernie Taupin is making his Grand Ole Opry debut, while organizers have unveiled a star-packed lineup for a Dolly Parton tribute special. Tour News: Nickelback has announced 2027 stops in Nashville and Knoxville.
Nashville Music: Phil Wickham, Josiah Queen and Brandon Lake led the Dove Awards with three wins each at Bridgestone Arena; Tasha Cobbs Leonard also took home honors. Dolly Parton’s Legacy: Nashville’s new Life of Many Colors Museum and Song Teller Hotel are now open, while her Broadway musical team has shared advice she gave shortly before her death. Live Events: Hurricane Isaias threatens weekend plans across the Mid-South, with rain and gusty winds forecast for the Memphis Jazz Festival and Mempho Music Festival; Savannah’s Wayne Jerrolds Bluegrass Festival continues Saturday. Coming to Tennessee: Nickelback announced 2027 Nashville and Knoxville dates on its Everything Under the Sun Tour. Arts Support: Oracle’s $10 million gift has put the Nashville Symphony’s 2026-27 season back on track. Music Education: The University of Memphis music business program earned top honors in Billboard’s latest rankings.
Event Changes: Hurricane Isaias has canceled West Tennessee’s Beech Lake Bike Fest, while other fall events across the region have been postponed. Tennessee Sports: The 0-4 Titans host the 0-4 Texans Sunday, with one team set to earn its first win; No. 15 Tennessee visits Arkansas Saturday. Live Music: Nickelback’s 2027 arena tour includes a Nashville stop. Country Music: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum editor Michael McCall will retire at year’s end after more than two decades and helping shape major exhibits, including its Dolly Parton showcase. Nashville Arts: Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum and Song Teller Hotel are now open, and a $10 million Oracle gift has restored the Nashville Symphony’s 2026-27 season and brought furloughed staff and musicians back.
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