Hey Maine: Here’s Some Country News

A little bit of Nashville is about to take over the Big Apple. Ryman Hospitality has announced plans for Opry City Stage, a new multi-level entertainment venue and restaurant that will bring the Grand Ole Opry to Times Square in 2017. Set to open in April, Opry City Stage will be a four-story country entertainment venue, located at the heart of Times Square, on Broadway. The venue will feature live performances and will simulcast shows from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Joey + Rory were among the biggest winners at the 2016 Inspirational Country Music Awards, held in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on Thursday night. Joey + Rory’s ‘When I’m Gone’ received the ICM trophy for Mainstream Inspirational Country song, and Joey and Rory Feek were honored as the year’s top Mainstream Duo / Group. Joey Feek posthumously received the Mainstream Country Female Vocalist honor.

Kenny Chesney will receive a major honor at the upcoming 2016 CMA Awards. The four-time CMA Entertainer of the Year has been named the recipient of the coveted Pinnacle Award, which has only been given to two other artists. The Pinnacle Award ‘recognizes an artist who has achieved global prominence through concert performances and record sales at levels unique in Country Music.’ Since being created in 2005, it was only been presented to two acts: Garth Brooks in its year of creation and Taylor Swift in 2013.

tasteofcountry.com