Photo ID (L to R): Jackie Evancho, Sara Evans, Braden Hull, Pia Toscano, and Katharine McPhee
Photo Credit: Randon Bopp
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Watch the Event Recap HERE I Credit: Anna Torres
View the Event Photo Gallery HERE I Credit: Randon Bopp
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 12, 2026) – Melody Place hosted its first-ever Sunset Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville last week, coinciding with CMA Fest. Emceed by The Nashville Briefing’s Zak Kuhn and label head Sandy McGraw, the event treated fans and friends to performances from some of the most talented artists in music.
Renowned country star Sara Evans headlined the night, performing several hits from her stellar 30-year career, including “Suds in the Bucket” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” with a surprise accompaniment by 16-time GRAMMY winner David Foster. Evans also gave fans a taste of what to expect on her We Got The Beat headlining tour, which runs through late 2026. With over 6 million albums sold, she’s dominated the country pop genre and hinted at new music to be released soon.
Nashville-based power vocalist, Pia Toscano, introduced the crowd to some of her most personal music. She quickly reminded fans of her angelic tone and powerful onstage presence, while teasing some new music and a “redirection” for her upcoming album. She performed some of her favorites, “All the Way There” and “Pretty Ugly.”
Prominent singer and actress Katharine McPhee hosted a special Q&A session, chatting with fans about her remarkable career onstage and onscreen, as well as a Grand Ole Opry performance with Riley Green. She has been spending a lot of time songwriting in Nashville, with new music on the way.
Classical and pop musician Jackie Evancho is best known for her incredible performance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, stunning audiences with her impressive vocal range at age 10. She performed her vulnerable, delicate single “Behind My Eyes,” with special guest, founding Smash Mouth guitarist and songwriter, Greg Camp, bringing her signature style to the stage. Evancho is also in the studio, writing and recording her next music project.
Rising country artist Braden Hull charmed audiences with his North Carolina twang and magnetic energy. Hull played his recent single “End This Way,” the unreleased “Trucks Are For,” and his new track “Ain’t No Reason Not To,” which was released today. Hull will be joining fellow labelmate Sara Evans on select dates of her headlining tour this summer.
Melody Place continues to evolve with emerging acts and legendary performers in the heart of Music City. The independent label has several releases coming soon, including the Dan Seals collaboration album, Dan Seals & Friends: The Last Duet, arriving August 28. For more information on Melody Place, visit melodyplace.com.
About Melody Place
Melody Place is a boutique Nashville‑based record label and music publishing company founded in 2018 by Chairman Leigh Shockey. Known for its curated roster and artist‑first philosophy, Melody Place has quickly become one of the most distinctive independent labels in the industry. Led by President/General Manager Sanborn McGraw and industry veteran Chief Operating Officer Tony Gottlieb, the label is expanding its footprint across multiple genres and developing artists with long‑term global appeal. The current roster includes award‑winning country star Sara Evans, Tony-nominated Broadway breakout Jasmine Amy Rogers, acclaimed vocalists Katharine McPhee, Pia Toscano, and Jackie Evancho, and rising Country artist Braden Hull. Melody Place also represents the estate of “England” Dan Seals. Beyond recorded music, Melody Place co‑produced the Broadway hit Boop! The Musical, in a strategic partnership with legendary musician David Foster. The production earned three Tony nominations, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, and received 11 Drama Desk Award nominations. Boop! The Musical has begun touring internationally and kicks off its US tour this Fall, further showcasing the company’s creative reach. With features and recognition from Billboard, Broadway World, Country Now, GRAMMY.com, MusicRow, People, The New York Times, Variety, and more, Melody Place continues to solidify its reputation as one of Nashville’s most forward‑thinking independent labels.
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