Country concert news

Country music bad boy Morgan Wallen headlines ACM Awards benefit show in Dallas-Fort Worth

Morgan Wallen's coming to town for the ACMs.

Photo courtesy of Morgan Wallen

UPDATE 5-10-2023: Morgan Wallen has canceled his appearance due to illness and has been replaced as headliner. Details here.

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Dallas-Fort Worth will be the center of the country music universe on May 11, when the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards are broadcast from The Star in Frisco. As with any worldwide, Super Bowl-level event, there'll be many happenings leading up to it. First up: a benefit concert headlined by Morgan Wallen.

The country music bad boy (and current superstar and reigning ACM Album of the Year winner) takes top billing on "ACM Lifting Lives LIVE: Morgan Wallen & Friends," a fundraiser for Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music. The "friends" taking the stage with him include reigning ACM Songwriter of the Year HARDY, reigning ACM New Female Artist and Song of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, ERNEST, Bailey Zimmerman, and DJ 13lackbeard.

The show will be held at 7:30 pm Wednesday, May 10 on the golfing green at Topgolf in The Colony. It will follow the Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On Fundraiser, presented by VGT by Aristocrat Gaming, taking place earlier that day; the concert is ticketed separately from the golf tournament.

Just what does Lifting Lives do? According to a release, "in addition to distributing more than $4 million to date through its Covid Relief Fund, ACM Lifting Lives provides critical support through the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, significant annual commitments to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Music Health Alliance, and the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, and individual grants to organizations that reach communities all across America."

Now in its fourth year (and first in Texas), the golf tournament brings together artists, industry members, and fans for a golf skills competition and an extended day of live entertainment.

"ACM Lifting Lives does great work providing aid in times of need to folks inside and outside of the music industry,” Wallen says in the release. “My band and I are excited to help them raise funds to continue doing this amazing work.”

Now, for the ticket details, per the release:

General Admission tickets to the concert became available to ACM Members, ACM A-List subscribers, 58th ACM Awards ticket holders, and Topgolf Friends and Family through an exclusive presale that started at 12 pm Thursday, March 23.
Remaining tickets will be available for a general public onsale beginning Friday, March 24 at 10 am through AXS.
Tickets to the benefit concert only are $350 plus service fees.
Those who have purchased bays for golf will be able to remain in their bay for the concert, with the bay serving as a suite to watch the show. A limited amount of VIP fan golf bays for the Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On are available for purchase; email rockon@acmcountry.com.

Entertainment announcement

Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball ropes Chris Stapleton as the big act in 2026

Photo courtesy of Chris Stapleton

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Country superstar Chris Stapleton will headline the 2026 Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball at Southfork Ranch.

The announcement was made at a Reveal Party on Thursday, February 5 at a private estate in Dallas.

The 53rd Cattle Baron's Ball will take place Saturday, October 17 under the leadership of co-chairs Cynthia Everitt and Paige Westhoff. They've chosen the theme "Soar Higher."

"Twelve-time Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton, the Kentucky-born singer, songwriter, and guitarist celebrated for his powerhouse vocals and blend of country, rock, and soul, will lend his unmistakable sound and commanding stage presence to one of Dallas’ most iconic fundraising events," says a release. "Known for chart-topping hits and deeply moving live performances, Stapleton’s appearance is set to be a standout moment in an evening devoted to raising critical funds for cancer research through the American Cancer Society."

The VIP party performer has not yet been announced.

Since 1974, Cattle Baron's Ball has raised over $111 million for cancer research. It is the world’s largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The 2025 ball, starring Post Malone, raised $6,002,095.

"This year’s theme, Soar Higher, captures the spirit of rising above limits together - pushing generosity, hope, and community impact to new heights in support of a meaningful cause," the release says. "For Cattle Baron’s Ball, it’s a call to elevate the fight ahead with bold energy and Texas-sized determination."

The 2026 ball is presented by Texas Oncology.

Tables and tickets are now on sale, ranging from $4,000 for a pair of "Silver Baron Couple Tickets" to $165,000 for a "Platinum Baron Table" for 36.

For more information, underwriting opportunities, tables and tickets, visit the CBB website.

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