FRIDAY, SEPT. 18
CHRIS JANSON
ABOUT CHRIS JANSON: Chris Janson is the real deal. An accomplished, award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter. Janson’s live shows and songwriting set him on a path of great success. The Grand Ol Opry Member has amassed billions of global streams, Gold and Multi-Platinum awards, more than 10M in sales as a solo artist, and excess of 15M in sales combined with hits recorded by other notable artists such as Tim McGraw “Truck Yeah”, LoCash “How I’ll Always Be”, Hank Williams Jr. “Love This Life”, and more. Janson is best Known for his true-to-self anthems, five of which are Number 1 hits including “Buy Me A Boat” (5xPlatinum), “Fix A Drink” (Platinum), “Good Vibes” (Platinum), “All I Need Is You” and “Done” (Gold). Additional certifications include “Drunk Girl” (Platinum), “Holdin Her” (Gold), and his Buy Me a Boat album (Gold). Janson has been awarded twice with the prestigious NSAI “Top 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” award, received an ACM Award, iHeart Radio Country Song of The Year award, among numerous nominations from the ACM and CMA. He is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, mastering more than 10 instruments. Aside from his music, Janson is a happily married husband and father. He is involved in many notable Conservation and Philanthropy efforts, alongside his long-time partnership with Bass Pro Shops and his official partnership with nationally branded, Crav’n Flavor. Chris Janson was a small-town kid who dreamed big, won big, and proudly lives the American Dream. His latest album, Wild Horses, is out now.
JULIA COLE
ABOUT JULIA COLE: Texas native Julia Cole is redefining today’s country music, having already racked up 700M+ streams and amassed over 2.7M social followers. As the middle sister of three, the rising powerhouse – known for her charismatic stage presence and perfectly witty lyrics, turns every performance into a shared experience. Celebrated as “sisterhood country” to her fan community #ColeTeam, her music has your back through every twist of life – whether you’re laughing, crying or screaming at the top of your lungs, like a sister she’s there. With that in mind, family and heritage are woven into every aspect of her artistry. A nod to the importance of roots, pride, and the people who shape you, fabrics from her grandpa Poppy’s vintage westernwear shirts appear in her stage wardrobe and guitar straps to her album and single artwork. Getting her start performing the national anthem at her high school, Julia quickly moved to stadiums for NFL, MLB, MLS, NASCAR and ESPN events. Since then, she has toured internationally in more than 10 countries, headlining her own tours as well as opening for Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Dierks Bentley and more. A former collegiate athlete who played volleyball at Vanderbilt, she strongly champions women’s athletics, merging her passions for music and female empowerment on and off the stage. Setting herself up for a major breakthrough year with performances at Stagecoach, Carolina Country Music Festival and more, the country songstress will release her new album, Love You To Death, on May 22 that will feature her debut radio single currently climbing the charts “Day Late & A Buck Short” and the just-released sisterhood anthem “At My Wedding.”
MAC WATTS
ABOUT MAC WATTS: Nashville recording artist, Mac Watts, is a rising star in modern country music. Growing up just north of Detroit, Michigan, Watts always had a love for music. Singing karaoke with his mother fostered a love of country, Motown and Irish drinking songs. Influenced by the sounds of Eric Church, Kip Moore, and many others. Watts has recorded some great music leading to live performances in the Midwest, and since has been traveling all over the US to perform. Since his arrival in 2017 to Nashville, he has had some impressive accomplishments including the release of his first EP “Dynamite” and many singles, which can be found on all music platforms such as Spotify, Pandora and iHeart Radio to name a few. Watts continues to record and recently released several new songs, “On My Own“and “Raise Em Up Proud” and a new EP “Cast Away” released recently. Watts can be found weekly playing the honky tonks on the famous strip in downtown Nashville, TN, Broadway.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 19
RICK ROSS
ABOUT RICK ROSS: Rick Ross is far more than a music legend. He is a Grammy-nominated rapper, empire architect, luxury tastemaker, community leader, and cultural powerhouse whose vision has helped shape hip-hop’s evolution over the last two decades. From his unmistakable deep baritone to his commanding presence in music and business, Ross has become one of the most influential multi-hyphenates of his generation. He exploded onto the scene in 2006 with his breakout hit “Hustlin’,” which went platinum before he even signed a major record deal. Ross quickly followed this success with a string of critically acclaimed albums, including Port of Miami, Trilla, Deeper Than Rap, Teflon Don, God Forgives, I Don’t, and Richer Than I Ever Been. Over the span of his career, he has earned ten Grammy nominations and collaborated with the biggest names in music, such as Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, John Legend, The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, and Nas. Consistently landing at the top of the Billboard charts, his hit-making legacy was brilliantly showcased in a historic, highly celebrated Verzuz battle against French Montana. His catalog remains both sonically lush and lyrically vivid, firmly built on themes of power, perseverance, and wealth. The year 2026 marks a historic chapter in his musical journey as Ross prepares for the release of his twelfth studio album, Set In Stone, slated to drop in July 2026. The highly anticipated album rollout was ignited by the Top 10 radio single “Minks In Miami,” an opulent track featuring French Montana and Max B. To further commemorate his enduring legacy, Ross is currently celebrating the twentieth anniversary of his debut number-one album, Port of Miami. Honoring the milestone, he is embarking on a grand 17-city orchestra tour, performing his timeless classics alongside the soaring live instrumentation of the Renaissance Orchestra and the powerful vocals of the Sainted Trap Choir. Beyond his solo career, Ross has proven his sharp executive prowess as the founder of Maybach Music Group. Through the label, he helped usher in a new generation of superstars, launching and elevating the careers of artists like Meek Mill, Wale, and Omarion, proving his unmatched eye for talent. Off the mic, Ross is a mogul in every sense of the word, maintaining a robust portfolio that spans multiple industries. He serves as a longtime brand partner and equity ambassador for Sovereign Brands, whose portfolio includes the ultra-premium French sparkling wine Luc Belaire and the #1 Global rum by Nielsen Bumbu, expertly aligning the brand with luxury and hip-hop culture. In the food industry, he is a major force, owning multiple Wingstop and Checkers franchise locations across the country. These ventures not only scale profitable businesses but also bring crucial jobs and economic development to underserved communities. In 2024, Ross launched Slippery Soap, a high-performance automotive cleaning line now available in over 4,000 AutoZone locations across the United States. This venture represents a profound full-circle moment rooted deeply in his personal history. At thirteen, Ross began working at a local car wash in his hometown, where he honed his skills and nurtured a lifelong love for automobiles. Gaining an appreciation for the intricacies of vehicle maintenance and detailing, he immersed himself in the world of cars. That early hands-on experience not only shaped his relentless work ethic but also fueled his ambition for success in the billion-dollar auto care industry, serving as a testament to his journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial triumph. Continuing to expand his empire, Ross entered the healthcare sector in 2025 by partnering with celebrity dentist Dr. Mario Montoya to open Smiles by Mario Montoya. Located in Sandy Springs, Georgia, the luxury dental practice offers elite cosmetic and general dentistry services to high-end clients. His lifelong passion for automobiles also materialized into The Rick Ross Car & Bike Show. What started as a personal passion project has evolved into one of the most anticipated annual automotive and lifestyle events in the country. Held at his sprawling 300-acre estate in Fayetteville, Georgia, known as The Promise Land, the show draws thousands of car enthusiasts and hip-hop fans. Now in its fifth year, the event has secured major sponsorships from Harley-Davidson, Rockford Fosgate, and Monster Energy. His diverse entrepreneurial footprint also includes highly successful ventures like Rap Snacks, High Tolerance, and the Rick Ross Boss Up Conference. Ross has successfully extended his influence into film, television, and literature. He has appeared in popular shows and movies such as Coming 2 America, DAVE, The Vince Staples Show, and Magic City, with multiple projects currently in development as both a producer and an actor. As a New York Times best-selling author, he released his memoir Hurricanes in 2019, which became a New York Times bestseller for its unfiltered, honest look at his journey from Carol City to the top of the entertainment world. In 2021, he returned to the bestseller list with his inspirational sophomore book, The Perfect Day to Boss Up: A Hustler’s Guide to Building Your Empire. In May 2026, Ross released the third book of his career, Renaissance of a Boss: Notes from a Creative Awakening. Ross’s profound influence extends far beyond entertainment and business into true community leadership. In 2024, the City of Miami honored him with the Key to the City and named multiple streets in his honor based on his lyrics, celebrating his role as a cultural ambassador who consistently gives back to his roots. From platinum records to vast real estate holdings, and from food franchises to premium brand partnerships, Rick Ross has built a sprawling empire rooted in hustle, excellence, and vision. He is not only a hip-hop icon but also a definitive blueprint for modern Black entrepreneurship. Whether he’s commanding a stage, dominating the boardroom, or hosting tens of thousands at his estate, Rick Ross continues to expand his legacy by being bold, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
TRICK TRICK
ESHAM
ABOUT ESHAM: Hailing from Detroit’s brutal Eastside, producer, lyricist, and storyteller, Esham rose to legendary status at the young age of 15 when his debut album “Boomin Words From Hell” sold over 100K copies solely by word-of-mouth. The infamous and highly coveted “red tape” details the perils of being young and black in a city ravaged by drugs and violence – and Esham’s wavering faith. Esham blended those religious undertones with the dark personas of Kiss and Ozzy, along with the raw and unfiltered style of NWA, the Geto Boys, and Too Short. This new sound was unlike anything anyone had ever heard. And it scared the hell out of them. This recipe became the foundation for an entire genre. The Wicket Shit, Underground, Horrorcore, or Acidrap – call it whatever you want. Esham’s music broke barriers. Scathing with spiritual, sexual, and political commentary, he blurred the lines between right and wrong and good and evil. He blended samples from every genre with live instruments and often produced it all himself. And he released his music on his own label – Reel Life Productions (RLP). Founded by Esham and his brother James at ages 15 and 18 (respectively), RLP was the biggest-selling indie hip-hop label of the 1990s. Esham’s entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and creativity have inspired countless artists in his hometown and around the world. With 55+ releases and counting, Esham continues to blaze his own trail. For decades, Esham has defied mainstream norms while amassing a devoted fan base. He is known for explosive live performances with a hardcore band that stuns audiences and sets him apart from conventional rap acts.
ISHII QASH
ABOUT ISHII QASH: Ishii Qash is the personification of “Hood Elegance”—a Detroit-based rapper, model, and digital visionary repping Fenkell Ave the “4-1”. A true triple threat, she combines a relentless Detroit hustle with an elite academic background from Michigan State and Arizona State University. Currently serving as the Official Brand Ambassador and Model for Q11 Photography, Ishii has become a prolific force since her 2020 debut, recently releasing her latest single “Queenpen” (feat. Ari B). With over 1.7 million YouTube views and a loyal digital following of 23,000 on Instagram and 10,000 on TikTok, her impact is verified by the viral success of “Walk,” which surpassed 43,000 streams with zero traditional marketing. Her influence extends from featured interviews on Fox News to performing the high-profile fight walk-out for World Champion Danielle Perkins. Cementing her status as a local icon, Ishii’s exclusive collaboration with the legendary Made In Detroit clothing line further proves that her hustle is unmatched, authentic, and built to last.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 20
GENE SIMMONS
ABOUT GENE SIMMONS: Gene Simmons is an international rock icon and co-founder of KISS, the RIAA’s #1 gold record award-winning group of all time. Beyond his legendary stage persona, Simmons is a formidable serial entrepreneur who revolutionized the intersection of music and commerce. Under his leadership, KISS became a global merchandising powerhouse with over 5,000 licensed products, generating more revenue from trademark deals than any other band in music history. His career is defined by historic accolades and high-level advocacy. He is a 2014 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. As an integral partner with SoundExchange, Simmons has become a leading voice in Washington, D.C., recently testifying before the Senate to champion the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). His efforts are central to closing the “radio loophole” and ensuring all recording artists receive fair compensation for terrestrial airplay. Simmons’ diverse business portfolio includes the international restaurant chain Rock & Brews, the MoneyBag spirits line, and a career as a New York Times bestselling author. A dedicated philanthropist, he has raised millions for veterans and children’s health, recently receiving the 2025 World Smile Award from Operation Smile. Whether leading global business ventures or touring with the Gene Simmons Band, he remains a definitive force in entertainment and industry.
DEREK ST. HOLMES
ABOUT DEREK ST. HOLMES: Derek St. Holmes is an iconic American rock vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter whose unmistakable voice helped define one of the most celebrated eras of classic rock. Best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist alongside Ted Nugent during the 1970s, St. Holmes is the original voice behind legendary hits including **”Stranglehold,” “Hey Baby,” “Just What the Doctor Ordered,”** and **”Stormtroopin’.”** His performances on the multi-platinum albums *Ted Nugent*, *Free-for-All*, *Cat Scratch Fever*, and *Double Live Gonzo!* have become staples of rock radio and continue to inspire generations of fans. In addition to his acclaimed work with Ted Nugent, St. Holmes has enjoyed a distinguished career performing and recording with some of rock’s most respected musicians, including Brad Whitford of Aerosmith in the acclaimed **Whitford/St. Holmes** project. His soulful vocals, exceptional musicianship, and authentic stage presence have earned him lasting recognition as one of classic rock’s premier performers. Today, Derek St. Holmes continues to tour nationally, bringing audiences an electrifying concert experience filled with timeless rock anthems, masterful musicianship, and the stories behind the songs that defined a generation. Backed by an outstanding band, every performance delivers the energy, authenticity, and unforgettable sound that fans have loved for more than five decades.
KALEIDO
ABOUT KALEIDO: Straight out of Detroit, Kaleido embodies the no-nonsense hustle of their hometown as they uphold its sterling creative legacy (which, of course, spans rebels ranging from Alice Cooper to Eminem). Fronted by sweet as sugar, tough as nails Christina Chriss, the group — rounded out by Joey Fava [drums] Cody Morales [bass] and Drew Johnston [guitar] —seamlessly stir hard rock, punk, metal, alternative & pop into a combustible and catchy signature style, buzzing as one of the most unpredictable, unapologetic, and undeniable musical forces on the scene. Studied, street smart & primed – they’ve picked up four Detroit Music Awards in addition to impacting Active Rock radio nationwide and earning the praise of LoudWire, Alternative Press, All Access Magazine, Alternative Addiction, and AXS who raved, “Every once in a while a new artist creeps forth from the vast wasteland that has become popular music, bringing along a fresh and inspired style: Meet Kaleido.” 2020 saw them present the Deluxe Edition of their breakthrough album, Experience, which boasted “Die Tryin’.” The latter reeled in 200K streams and counting and peaked #22 on the Billboard Rock Indicator Chart, while the album bowed at #11 on the Soundscan “Top New Artists Albums Chart.” At the same time, their music has soundtracked promos for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chrysler commercials & Sidewalks TV. Renowned for an unforgettable live show, they’ve shared stages with everyone from Aerosmith, Slash, and Kid Rock to Seether, Halestorm, Twenty One Pilots, Sebastian Bach, Rob Zombie and many more, in addition to gracing the bills of Kiss Kruise, Shiprocked!, SUMMERFEST and more.
