Country Proud: Presented by The Nash News and RNBW in Partnership With CMT and CMA

The Nash News is proud to say we are presenting, along with RNBW Queer Music Collective, the first-ever LGBTQ+ event during a country music festival at this year's CMA Fest. Our weekly writer's rounds have been happening at the Assembly Food Hall in Nashville for the past several months, and the round scheduled for Thursday, June 9th will be a very special one. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and is partnered with CMT and CMA. Our lineup of artists from the LGBTQ+ community highlight a vital part of country music, as well as what's to come for the future of the genre.

The lineup includes:

Harper Grae

Rolling Stone Country called Grae, "a platinum-voiced country-pop singer with a flair for turning her harrowing past into high art." The singer-songwriter is known for songs such as "Muddy Water" and "Best For You."

Shelly Fairchild

Fairchild's debut album Ride from 2005 spawned rave reviews from critics and fans alike. She followed that up with the albums Ruby's Money and Buffalo. As a songwriter, she has written for acts like Tanya Tucker and Little Big Town.

Jessica Rose

Rose hails from the east coast and is a pop-country artist. Rose has opened shows for Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Buffet, Russell Dickerson, and Jimmie Allen.

Kentucky Gentlemen

This duo, who are also twins, has songs available for streaming such as "Alcohol" and "Whatever You're Up For." They draw their inspiration from 90's country and R&B.

Chris Housman

Housman had a song go viral on TikTok called "Blueneck" about how he puts it, "being a liberal redneck." The singer has proven that someone can find enough exposure without being backed by a label.

Breann Young

Young released her debut album Highs and Lows back in 2017. She is known for her ability to speak the truth as well as her commitment to performing live shows.

Zoe Cummins

The Oklahoma native enjoys blending country, rock, and soul into her sound. Her pivotal songs include "Say You Are" and "Your Side Of It."

Steff Mahan

Steff Mahan has crafted an Americana sound of rock, folk, roots, and country. Every song in Mahan's catalog is steeped in emotional truth. Her live shows prove she was born to entertain.

Lila McCann

The singer made her debut at the age of sixteen with the single "Down Came A Blackbird." Through the past couple decades, McCann has wowed fans with her lyrics and smooth voice, capable of captivating anyone who listens.

Gina Venier

Gina Venier is part of the new wave of artists in Nashville. Recently featured in People Magazine, the songstress opened about the inspiration behind her latest song "Nora Jane."

Kristen Merlin

The singer placed within the top five on season six on the NBC hit show The Voice. Th Massachusetts native found herself writing songs as early as middle school, and quickly realized how writing is the best form of therapy.

Sonia Leigh

Sonia Leigh has opened shows for artists such as The Marshall Tucker Band, Jason Mraz, and the Zac Brown Band. The seasoned performer is known for songs including "My Name Is Money," and "Bar." She also helped pen Zac Brown Band's No. 1 hit "Sweet Annie."

Maia Sharp

Maia Sharp first came onto the scene in 1997 with her album Hardly Glamour. Since then, she has released seven other LPs and a variety of singles. Besides her solo career, she has penned songs and collaborated with artists like Trisha Yearwood, Cher, Bonnie Rait, Art Garfunkel, and Terri Clark.

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