BMI Showcased 16 Artists on the Rise During Free Three-Day Event on PNC Plaza
Photo Highlights and Captions From Each Day Can Be Found Here
Photo Credit Erika Goldring for BMI
The fifth annual Ryman & BMI Block Party returned to the PNC Plaza during CMA Fest (6/04-6/06), where daily lineups featured diverse performances from 16 of BMI’s prominent newcomers. Hundreds of festival attendees and industry guests gathered off Broadway to experience full band sets, interactive activations, food vendors and exclusive promotional giveaways provided by this year’s sponsors Dingo Boots, Mid-South Ford Dealers, ONErpm, Shure, Travel & Leisure, Twisted Tea and Xperi/HD Radio.
On Thursday (6/04), the Ryman & BMI Block Party kicked off as BMI Foundation, Inc. presented the 2026 Dolly Parton Songwriters Award to Arkansas-based singer-songwriter Kaden Trev. Kaden’s winning song “Write My Wrongs” was selected from a record-breaking 600 applicants by a panel of music industry experts. Then, Kat Luna took the stage for a high-energy performance followed by Platinum-selling artist Robyn Ottolini. Tyce Delk kept the momentum moving before the high-octane trio TRIPPP closed out the first afternoon.
As the free three-day concert series served as a primary launchpad for fans during CMA Fest week, Friday (6/05) showcased emerging streaming powerhouses like Coey Redd who opened the plaza stage and spoke with News Channel 5 about the experience. Mary Kutter, Cody Lohden, Sela Campbell and Shaylen followed with crowd-pleasing sets before Colton Bowlin concluded the day.
Saturday (6/06) brought a legion of fans to PNC Plaza for Shelby Raye, Colton Dawson and Leah Blevins. Acclaimed artist Lily Meola and multi-instrumentalist Steve Ray Ladson delivered highly anticipated performances before heavy-hitter Tenille Arts officially closed out the weekend.
The Ryman & BMI Block Party displays BMI’s commitment to nurturing and developing songwriters at the earliest stages of their careers, as “the event remains a standout for introducing audiences to Nashville’s next wave of talent,” (WZTV-TV). Previous performers include Ella Langley, Zach John King, Vincent Mason, Pynk Beard, Mae Estes, Struggle Jennings and The Band Loula.
