NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country singer-songwriter FILMORE will headline The Big 98 Stage at the 2026 Iroquois Steeplechase, presented by Bank of America, bringing his high-energy, genre-blending sound to Nashville’s iconic spring tradition on Saturday, May 9, at Percy Warner Park. The race day entertainment lineup will also feature country group Highway Home, along with rising Nashville artists Lauren Gottshall and Alannah McCready. Nashville vocalist Cassidy Daniels will perform the national anthem to kick off the festivities.
Presented in partnership with iHeartMedia Nashville, The Big 98 Stage will feature live performances from Nashville-based artists throughout the day from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. as part of Steeplechase’s historic 85th anniversary celebration.
“We’re excited to welcome FILMORE, Highway Home, Lauren Gottshall, Alannah McCready, and Cassidy Daniels to this year’s Iroquois Steeplechase,” said Dwight Hall, Race Chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase. “As we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the race, their performances will add even more energy to a day that already blends world class racing, Nashville tradition and a vibrant community celebration.”
A Missouri native known for pushing the boundaries of country music, FILMORE blends country, pop, rock, hip-hop and Latin influences into a bold, hook-driven sound. Now signed to Pitbull’s Mr. 305 Records, FILMORE made history as the first country artist signed to the global superstar’s label. FILMORE recently released his fourth studio album, Atypical, a 21-track project that captures both his high-octane stage presence and unfiltered storytelling. The album reflects his musical journey and diverse influences, from growing up with a country-loving father and Colombian mother to building his career in Nashville after moving to the city to pursue music.
Highway Home, a harmony-driven country trio made up of singer-songwriters Eamon Owen, Conner Sweeny and Stanton Langley will perform on The Big 98 Stage earlier in the day. Rooted in the sound of late-’90s and early-2000s country, the Nashville-based group blends nostalgic melodies with fresh energy and tight vocal harmonies that have quickly built them a growing fanbase.
Chicago-area native Lauren Gottshall has quickly gained traction in Nashville, opening for Jason Aldean, performing her first stadium show and appearing at premier venues including The Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room, while sharing the stage with artists such as O.A.R., Warren Zeiders and Chris Janson.
Country artist Alannah McCready is gaining traction in Nashville with her blend of modern country and pop. Following her EP Back to Me and singles including “I’m Just Fine,” she has opened for acts such as Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis and Michael Ray, establishing herself as an emerging voice in the genre.
Nashville-based artist and songwriter Cassidy Daniels will perform the national anthem to open the day’s festivities. A North Carolina native, Daniels signed a publishing deal with Liz Rose Music and gained national attention as a Top Three finalist on the CBS/Paramount series The Road. She has shared the stage with artists including Willie Nelson, Florida Georgia Line and Billy Currington and is set to appear in the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff Dutton Ranch, performing original music.
A complete performance schedule for The Big 98 Stage will be announced in the coming weeks.
Known as Nashville’s “Rite of Spring,” the Iroquois Steeplechase blends world-class horse racing, Southern hospitality, fashion and philanthropy into a one-of-a-kind social and sporting experience. Drawing more than 30,000 spectators annually, the event is one of the premier steeplechase races in the United States.
The 2026 race day will feature six races with total purses of $605,000, the richest on the National Steeplechase Association’s spring circuit, along with a full day of entertainment and activities for guests across the grounds.
Since being named a primary beneficiary in 1981, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has received more than $11.4 million in proceeds generated by the Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation through the event.
Gates open at 8 a.m., with opening ceremonies beginning at noon and live music on The Big 98 Stage from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to racing and live music, the day will feature fan-favorite traditions including the Style Contest, Tailgating Contest, Stick Pony Races and the Parade of Hounds.
Tickets are now on sale. A detailed schedule and event information are available at IroquoisSteeplechase.org.
About Iroquois Steeplechase
The Iroquois Steeplechase is a full day of racing at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, TN. The mission of the Iroquois Steeplechase is to manage and produce an annual world-class horse race that benefits Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and other local community non-profits, as well as promote the sport of steeplechasing. To learn more about Steeplechase, visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org.
About Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is one of the nation's leading children's hospitals, treating and helping to prevent a full range of pediatric health issues from colds and broken bones to complex heart diseases and cancer. In 2025, Monroe Carell was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 19th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the hospital earned the distinction as the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Tennessee and shares first place in the Southeast region for the fifth consecutive year.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a nonprofit organization, opened in 2004, expanded its physical space in 2012, and in 2016 began construction to add four new floors encompassing 160,000 total sq. ft. The new expansion helps to advance the size and scope of the hospital's mission. For more about Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt: ChildrensHospitalVanderbilt.org.
About iHeartMedia Nashville
iHeartMedia Nashville owns and operates 107.5 The River, 105.9 The Rock, 97.9 The BIG 98, 101.1 The Beat, TalkRadio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC, BIN 97.5, and The Big Legend 97.9 and is part of iHeartMedia. iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to both Podtrac and Triton, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, has the highest-reach and most engaged influencers, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
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