GRANDSTAND ANNOUNCES ARTIST AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

For Immediate Release:  

Nashville, TN 

August 26th 2025

Iconic Music Venue, The Louisiana Grandstand Officially Announces Launch of 2025 Artist Ambassador Program, Tapping Shreveport Native Country Superstars Kix Brooks (Brooks & Dunn) and Jordan Davis for Inaugural Year.

The Louisiana Grandstand continues a deep-rooted musical tradition in Shreveport Louisiana, echoing the cultural influence of the legendary Louisiana Hayride—the radio show that launched icons like Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash.

Rather than replicating the Hayride, the Grandstand builds on its spirit, creating a platform for emerging and established Country, Americana and Roots artists. Since its concert debut in 2021, it has become a premier listening venue hosting major acts like Sara Evans, Marty Stuart, Marcus King, Zach Top and many more gracing the stage. It is known for its intimate, acoustics-first environment; its emphasis on storytelling, songwriting, and live musicianship.

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What is not widely known is The Grandstand’s commitment to fostering and curating local talent.  In an industry defying move, The Louisiana Grandstand requires that any major booking must allow for local Shreveport musicians to act as the show opener. Thus, this historic venue has earned a reputation where authenticity, local artist development, and Shreveport fan connection take center stage.  The Grandstand further supports local talent by providing them studio time and production resources within their onsite recording studio.

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The Grandstand isn't just preserving music history—it's actively shaping the next generation of it. Enter the 2025 Louisiana Grandstand Artist Ambassador Program.  The Ambassador Program will pair one established talent mentor with one burgeoning local artist mentee for one calendar year, launching September of 2025.  Mentees will be selected through a number of rigorous and specialized decision making processes, and be chosen by a board of advisors made up of music industry experts.  Support from the mentor will come in the form of regular meetings with his/her mentee throughout the year, with conversations and topics guided by the advisory board. 

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The launch of the 2025 Louisiana Grandstand Artist Ambassador Program will proudly include Shreveport natives Kix Brooks, one half of the iconic duo Brooks & Dunn, and current country hitmaker Jordan Davis as this year's inaugural mentors. 

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Statement from Grandstand Co-owner Stephen Gillum:

“The Louisiana Grandstand was built on the belief that great music begins at the grassroots—where the stories are real, the voices are raw, and the connections run deep. For me, this mission is personal. Family and music have always been closely tied together in my life, and I want to personally thank my family for believing in me and in the vision of the Louisiana Grandstand. The legacy of the Louisiana Hayride left a lasting impact on generations of my family before me. That spirit—of discovery, risk-taking, and giving a stage to what’s next—lives on in everything we’re doing today.

That’s why launching the Artist Ambassador Program with two hometown legends, Kix Brooks and Jordan Davis, feels like more than just a milestone—it feels like a homecoming. We were thrilled when they each agreed to play the Grandstand—and now, to have them help us launch this initiative means the world.

This program is about building a bridge between those who’ve made their mark and those just beginning their journey. If we stand behind this movement as a community—one that celebrates our successes and lifts up those working hard to build careers—we can create something truly lasting. And we believe the Louisiana Grandstand Ambassador Program will help amplify voices that deserve to be heard. We’re just getting started—and we can’t wait to see where it goes.”

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Statement from Jordan Davis: “I’m honored to be part of the Louisiana Grandstand Ambassador Program’s inaugural year, and proud to play a part in ushering in the next generation of musical talent from my home state.” 

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Statement from Kix Brooks (Brooks & Dunn):  

“I, more than most, understand the importance that local venues like The Louisiana Grandstand have in supporting homegrown talent.  As a Bossier/Shreveport native, I’m honored to join fellow native Jordan Davis in the first year of the Artist Ambassador Program.”

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More information about The 2025 Louisiana Grandstand Artist Ambassador Program will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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For more information or interview requests with Stephen Gillum, owner of the Grandstand please contact David Hawkins - 917.400.9742 / david@mypr-lab.com.