Jana Kramer and Kelsea Ballerini Headlining 2015 CMT Next Women of Country Tour
Jana Kramer and Kelsea Ballerini are joining forces for the 2015 CMT Next Women of Country Tour.
The two singers will co-headline the trek, which kicks off on April 20 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
“I’m beyond excited to be a part of the first Next Women of Country Tour. I’m a big advocate for us girls sticking together and encouraging each other,” Kramer says. “I can’t wait to see everyone on the road.”
Adds Ballerini, "My first summer in Nashville, I was 15 and didn't have a driver’s license yet, so I spent it at home, writing songs and watching music videos on CMT. That was a way I knew I could learn and feel like I was growing ... [F]or me to be a part of the CMT Next Women of Country Tour is a huge honor.”
The 10-date tour is part of CMT's ongoing Next Women of Country campaign, which is aimed at helping female artists get more attention and airplay in an industry that is currently male-dominated.
“The Next Women of Country campaign seamlessly connects music fans with the rising generation of female country artists,” CMT Senior Vice President of Music Strategy Leslie Fram says. “With the tour, we’re now able to create zero distancing between fan and artist and deliver an amazing night of discovery.”
Past CMT tours have helped launch the careers of several artists, including Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Kip Moore.
The year 2015 is shaping up to be a big one for both Kramer and Ballerini. Kramer's second single, "I Got the Boy," from her upcoming sophomore album, is steadily climbing the charts, and she's planning her wedding to football player Michael Caussin. Meanwhile, Ballerini will release her freshman album, The First Time, on May 19.
A complete list of dates for the 2015 CMT Next Women of Country Tour is below. Ticket information is available at CMT.com.
2015 Next Women of Country Tour Dates:
April 30 — Grand Rapids, Mich. @ Intersection
May 1 — Cincinnati, Ohio @ Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill
May 7 — Cleveland, Ohio @ House of Blues
May 8 — Chicago, Ill. @ Joe’s Bar
May 10 — St. Louis, Mo. @ Pageant
May 12 — Nashville, Tenn. @ 3rd and Lindsley
May 14 — Orlando, Fla. @ Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill
May 15 — Fort Walton Beach, Fla. @ Swamp
May 17 — Charlotte, N.C. @ Fillmore Charlotte
May 28 — Myrtle Beach, S.C. @ House of Blues
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