The Boot News Roundup: Dierks Bentley Honored at Vanderbilt Hospital + More
Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.
On March 15, Dierks Bentley was awarded the very first star on the Walk of Champions at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University. According to Taste of Country, Bentley earned the star in recognition of his Miles & Music for Kids event, which has raised upwards of $4 million for the hospital over the last 10 years. "I am personally so honored to have this star. I feel like everyone that knows the situation knows I'm not the star, it's really the doctors and the technicians, the administrators, the nurses," Bentley said as he was presented with the honor. "You guys are the stars, you are the ones that make this place what it is, the shining star on the hill. I am very honored to have this."
Nashville's sixth (and final) season will soon come to an end, but fans will be able to enjoy the cast's music forever when Nashville in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall hits shelves in April. The digital and DVD release of the recorded performance at the iconic London, England, venue features performances from Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne), Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley) and Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor), among others. Nashville in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall will be released on April 27.
American Idol winner Trent Harmon is mourning the death of his cousin Nancy, who was shot and killed while Harmon was out on tour. The singer shared the news on Facebook on Thursday (March 15), though he did not share further details surrounding her death. "Reality checks have terrible timing, and this one couldn't be worse," Harmon writes in an emotional post. "Only 48 hours before her death she posted on Facebook in support of my recent run of upcoming shows with Rascal Flatts. Tell those around you that you LOVE them. Hang onto them tight, and support their dreams. Nancy supported my dreams and I will always be grateful for her cheerful demeanor and kind words."
Congratulations are in order for singer-songwriter Jillian Jacqueline, who recently got engaged! According to Sounds Like Nashville, Jacqueline's now-fiance, Bryan Brown, popped the question while on a romantic trip to Paris, France. Brown is a guitarist who performs with Jacqueline; she released her newest EP, Side A, in October of 2017. There is no word yet on when Jacqueline and Brown will say "I do."
In a new home for 2018, Wade Bowen's MusicFest will feature performances from Midlandd, Joe Nichols, Josh Abbott and more. The recently relocated festival will be hosted in Touchdown Alley at Baylor University's McLane Stadium, in Bowen's hometown of Waco, Texas, in 2018; Aaron Watson and REO Speedwagon are also on the bill this year. Now in its 20th year, the event raises funds for the Bowen Family Foundation, an organization that seeks to help children and families in need in Waco. MusicFest 2018 is set for June 3.
Country up-and-comer Trea Landon has inked a deal with Warner Music Nashville. The Georgia-born singer-songwriter, who cites Hank Williams Jr. and Kevin Denny as influences on his vocals, is on the roster at Dallas Davidson's Play It Again Publishing in Nashville, where he's co-written with Craig Campbell, Chris Young and Davidson. According to a press release, Landon is set to release new music later this year.