(Nashville, Tennessee – February 17, 2025) As anticipation builds for Country Radio Seminar 2025 (CRS 2025), exciting new event details, scholarship recipients, and a meaningful charitable initiative have been announced. Taking place February 19-21, 2025, at the Omni Nashville Hotel, CRS continues to enhance the attendee experience with fresh programming and industry collaborations.
CRS Presents ‘Amateur Hour Scareoke’ – Win a Free CRS 2026 Registration
For those eager to showcase their vocal talent, CRS introduces Amateur Hour Scareoke, a fun and lively karaoke competition set for Wednesday, February 19, from 5:00 – 5:30 PM in the Broadway Hallway. A limited number of participants will take the mic, with the performer earning the loudest applause winning a FREE registration for CRS 2026. Bring your best vocals and energy for a chance to impress the CRS crowd! Sign up here for a chance to participate.
Announcing the 2025 CRS Scholarship Recipients
CRS is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarships. The Rusty Walker Scholarship has been awarded to Jessica McKenzie-Williams, Jahna Michal, and Edward Cody Huddleston. The Lisa McKay Scholarship recipients are Ilana Epstein and Melanie Messer. Erin Bourne has been selected for the Futuri Scholarship, while Sarah Weaver has been named the recipient of the MIW Scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be recognized during CRS 2025.
CRS, Brent Michaels & The Shop Forward Partner for California Wildfire Relief
CRS is teaming up with KUZZ/Bakersfield, CA PD Brent Michaels and The Shop Forward to raise critical funds for California Wildfire Relief through the sale of exclusive “4 Things” CRS shirts. Proceeds will support wildfire relief efforts for victims affected by the devastating January fires in Pacific Palisades, Alta Dena, and surrounding areas, which caused an estimated $350 million in infrastructure damage.
CRS is the premier annual gathering of country music industry professionals, while Shop Forward is a platform dedicated to fundraising for important causes through apparel and accessories sales. Brent Michaels, a highly respected radio programmer and air personality, has received numerous industry awards and national recognition for his contributions to country radio.
For social media: @crsofficial and @theshopforward have teamed up to offer two limited-edition “4 Things” CRS shirts to benefit California Wildfire Relief. Shirts are available for purchase at https://www.theshopforward.com/collections/crs-nashville.
CRS & Gibson Gives Support Disaster Relief Efforts with Juliens for a Star-Studded Auction
CRS has partnered with Gibson–the iconic American instrument brand–and its philanthropic division Gibson Gives to support ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene’s impact on North Carolina, as well as general Los Angeles Area Wildfire relief efforts. As part of this initiative, CRB Artist Humanitarian recipients Eric Church and Luke Combs will each sign a Gibson guitar, which will be auctioned nationally, with proceeds directed toward their respective relief efforts in North Carolina.
Register now in order to bid for the Gibson Gives guitar benefit from Julien’s Auctions, launching on February 19, and running through March 12, 2025: https://www.juliensauctions.com/en/auctions/-gibson-gives-guitar-benefit-auction-595?tab=schedule.
Eric Church, through his nonprofit organization Chief Cares, announced plans to build 100 homes for hurricane victims, providing critical shelter to families affected by devastating storms. Meanwhile, Luke Combs and his team are working directly with North Carolina-based relief efforts to ensure funds are distributed where they are needed most. Their contributions support organizations including Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.
In addition, several guitars will be placed in the backstage artist lounge within the Broadway performance hall and signed throughout the week. These guitars will also be auctioned off through Gibson’s partner, Julien’s, with all proceeds benefiting general disaster and Los Angeles Wildfire Relief efforts.
“Hug A Pup” is Back
CRS is excited to announce the return of “Hug a Pup” in partnership with New Leash on Life of Middle Tennessee. This heartwarming program gives attendees the opportunity to interact with adorable, adoptable puppies during session breaks, providing both stress relief and valuable insights into fostering, adopting, and dog training.The furry companions will bring a unique and uplifting element to CRS 2025. Attendees can visit the puppies during the following times: Wednesday, Feb. 19 (1 PM – 4 PM), Thursday, Feb. 20 (10 AM – 1 PM), and Friday, Feb. 21 (10 AM – 1 PM).
Advance registration for CRS 2025 is now closed. On-site registration will be available starting Wednesday, February 19, at the walk-up rate of $799.
The official CRS 2025 mobile app is now available for download on iPhone and Android devices. Attendees can access the full CRS agenda, speaker bios, artist lineups, session details, and more by searching “CRS 2025” in their mobile app store.
For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
About Country Radio Seminar (CRS): Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. CRS 2025 is set for February 19-21, 2025, at the Omni Nashville Hotel. For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487.
About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.
About Gibson Gives:
For over 130 years, the iconic and leading American instrument brand Gibson has been shaping sound across generations and genres. Gibson, and its charitable non-profit division Gibson Gives believe in the power of music, and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a life-changing event. Gibson Gives–a 501(c)(3) is committed to making the world a better place by supporting non-profit organizations and developing programs in our efforts to advance musicians through music education, and health and wellness initiatives worldwide100% of all donations to and from Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music. In the last five years, Gibson Gives has raised over $5.5 million dollars and enabled $52.5 million in funding for key organizations through product donations and meaningful giving worldwide. For more information, visit: www.gibsongives.org.
About The Shop Forward: Since its launch in November 2014, The Shop Forward has raised over $5 million for various charities by offering products that directly support meaningful causes. Every item sold reflects the company’s mission to create a positive impact by funding programs and organizations that actively help others around the world. As a social-impact-driven brand, The Shop Forward provides consumers with an opportunity to make a difference through their purchases. The Shop Forward collaborates with charities to raise funds and awareness while delivering high-quality, unique, and ethically made products for customers to enjoy. Every purchase contributes to a greater cause, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to giving back. The Shop Forward has proudly contributed to organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Red Cross, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Project Medishare, Capital Area Food Bank, Andy Roddick Foundation, Austin Pets Alive, Musicians on Call, Building Homes for Heroes, The Trevor Project, Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, Epic Girl, UNICEF, and many more. Continuously launching new products and campaigns, The Shop Forward encourages supporters to stay connected through Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, or by signing up for its mailing list—ensuring they never miss an opportunity to give back.
