Nashville Meets Napa Valley At Live In The Vineyard Goes Country

Live in the Vineyard Goes Country returned to the picturesque Napa Valley, California with a three-day showcase of notable new artists and country music mainstays alongside world-class wines and expertly crafted culinary dishes. 

Presented by Visit Napa Valley, the event allowed music industry professionals, such as music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, and more, the chance to experience and discover new music in a beautiful, intimate setting. Attendees also had the chance to make one-on-one connections with the artists during the exclusive event, setting the foundation for what will likely become mutually beneficial working relationships. 

Nearly 30 artists, including Aaron Watson, Dalton Dover, Neon Union, Meghan Patrick, William Beckmann, Drake Milligan, Kat & Alex, Kimberly Perry, and Warren Zeiders, performed throughout the event. 

New Artists  

Bobbii Jacobs, Founder of Live In the Vineyard Goes Country and President of FF Entertainment, aims to provide artists with a platform to showcase their artistry, and Live in the Vineyard Goes Country did just that. 

Several emerging artists took the stage throughout the event, which gave them the opportunity to introduce their music to key music industry professionals. 

“Getting to play at Live in the Vineyard Goes Country was everything I could ask for in a gig. I tried different kinds of wine, drove through beautiful rolling hills, and hung out with my industry fam,” Black River Entertainment artist/songwriter MaRynn Taylor shared with Country Now following the event. “I was so excited when they asked me to perform as well, it was like the cherry on top of all the other amazing things I got to do there. I had so much fun and I will be counting down the days when I get to go back!”

From Catie Offerman’s charming acoustic set at the Music Industry Dinner at Silverado Vineyards, to Chase McDaniel’s stand-out performance during the welcome reception, which earned not just one, but two standing ovations at Napa Valley’s Nickel & Nickel Winery, to Kimberly Kelly’s laidback lunchtime performance at Cuvaison Winery, these vineyard performances undoubtedly left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to attend. 

Griffen Palmer, who returned to Live in the Vineyard Goes Country for the second consecutive year, performed at the historic Uptown Theatre just two days before the release of his debut album, Unlearn. The rising singer/songwriter said he was experiencing “a whole mix of feelings” as he awaited the release of his first project while performing in Napa Valley.  

“I’m really excited because that’s something I’ve been working towards for a long time. With that comes some anxiety and all the feelings all at once, but all the hard work that we’ve put into this record over the past four years, it’s just finally coming to fruition. It’s fun to be able to share it with people now.”

New Music 

Established artists such as Lauren Alaina, Jake Owen, Brandy Clark, and Jake Owen used their time at Live in the Vineyard Goes Country to perform new music. 

Lauren Alaina gave attendees an exclusive preview of what’s to come on her much-anticipated Big Loud Records album with the debut of three new songs: “Like Her,” “Don’t Judge A Woman,” and “Walk In The Bar.”  

She promises her next project will be representative “of the girl from Rossville, Georgia.” 

“I’m always really proud of my music and I always feel like I say the new project’s the best project, but this one’s just really different and refreshing and feels like it represents me as a woman and a new sound just in general,” she said, adding, “I’m excited.”

Jake Owen, who headlined Wednesday’s Uptown Theatre Concert, delighted attendees with performances of his No.1 hits like “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Anywhere With You,” and “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)”, also debuted new music from his forthcoming album with a performance of “On The Boat Again”. The song is a feel-good summertime anthem that was inspired by Willie Nelson’s iconic hit, “On The Road Again.” 

The track fits seamlessly within Owen’s wheelhouse and the familiarity of the chorus, which goes “On the boat again/ I just can’t wait to get on the boat again/ The life I love is drinking cold beer with my friends/ I can’t wait to get on the boat again,” had the audience singing along at first listen. 

11-time GRAMMY nominee, Brandy Clark shared songs and stories from her upcoming self-titled album during the Send-Off Brunch at the scenic Regusci Winery. As guests enjoyed an array of breakfast foods and wine, Clark performed tracks such as the inspirational “Up Above The Clouds – Cecilia’s Song” and the reflective “Dear Insecurity.”

Jimmie Allen’s acoustic brunch performance closed out Live in the Vineyard Goes Country. He shared a heartfelt rendition of his latest chart-topping hit, “Down Home,” performances of fan favorites like “Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To,” and also debuted a new song. 

“I finally started writing songs again after about nine months, almost a year of not being inspired,” he admitted from the stage before performing the new tune “Small Town Anthem.” “It was rough, you know? I feel a lot better. I’m writing songs again and I think it’s a beautiful thing.”

One-Of-A-Kind Experiences  

Live in the Vineyard Goes Country was established in 2017 following several successful all-genre Live in the Vineyard events. This unique experience can only be found at Live in the Vineyard where attendees can experience music while surrounded by culinary experiences and wines that only Napa Valley can offer.