Toby Keith performs at the 2019 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2019 in Nashville.
Anna Webber/Getty Images for CMTAs COVID-19 cases continue to rise and threaten Labor Day weekend plans, Encore Nights will present its latest drive-in concert as a safe alternative.
Country Kickoff to Labor Day Weekend will feature Alabama, Toby Keith, Michael Ray and host Blanco Brown in performances that will play Sept. 2 at 300 outdoor venues across North America.
“A few of the best things about Labor Day are soaking up the last few days of summer and kicking back to enjoy some of your favorite music,” said Walter Kinzie, CEO of Encore Nights -- which is producing the show -- in a statement. “Fans can tailgate, enjoy the party and sing along to some of the greatest bands ever!”
Encore Drive-In Nights’ series, which launched last year during the early months of the pandemic, has featured exclusive concert films from Metallica, Garth Brooks, Kane Brown, Blake Shelton and others.
According to Encore, more than 900,000 fans attended their drive-in performances last year between June and September. Among the artists performing in 2021 have been Bon Jovi and Florida Georgia Line.
The Keith and Alabama performances were filmed specifically for this one-night-only event in Nashville and Fort Payne, Ala., respectively.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, Aug. 13, at encorenights.com, and start at $56 per car.
NEWS
Shirley Manson is set to take over curating duties for the Teenage Cancer Trust 2027 concert series, stepping into the role for next year’s Royal Albert Hall shows after Robert Smith led the 2026 edition.
The charity shared the update on Tuesday 28 April 2026, introducing the Garbage frontwoman as just the second guest curator the event has ever had.
To celebrate the reveal, Teenage Cancer Trust also dropped a video capturing Garbage’s standout performance of Lovesong by The Cure, taken from their set at this year’s shows.
Manson is following a legacy shaped by Roger Daltrey, who created and oversaw the week long fundraising concerts from 2000 through 2025, and Smith, who curated the 2026 line up.
Smith’s run featured performances from Wolf Alice, Elbow, Manic Street Preachers, My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai and Garbage, along with a sold out comedy night, helping generate £1.4 million so far in support of young people facing cancer across the UK.
Speaking about the opportunity, Manson said: “To follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Roger Daltrey and most beloved Robert Smith by being invited to curate next year’s run of shows is one of the greatest honours that has ever been bestowed upon me.
"I consider it an immense privilege to continue helping raise funds and awareness for our all too often forgotten teenagers in the UK who are living with cancer and the struggle that this entails.
"I hope to curate a fine week of entertainment, calling upon some of my favourite artists to join the cause.
"I am so looking forward to seeing it all come together at the Royal Albert Hall next year and I hope to see you there.”
Smith also spoke highly of Manson while reflecting on the success of this year’s concerts, saying: “Having played a few Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall shows with The Cure, it was a real honour to curate the series in 2026, bringing together so many of my favourite artists to perform for such a great cause.
"The response and support from the audience, in the hall itself and all around the world, was really incredible.
"Garbage were one of the highlights of a stellar week, and I am very sure Shirley, with her great energy, commitment and values, will do a fantastic job in 2027.”
Daltrey also reacted to the announcement, saying: “To have a female musician with a great reputation for quality work is something that's been at the top of my wishlist going forward.
"I will always be there for her if she needs any help with anything.”
The 2027 Teenage Cancer Trust concerts are scheduled to take place from March 15 through 21 at the Royal Albert Hall, with the full line up expected to be announced soon.
