It has been a whirlwind start to 2026, and the momentum since mid-February is nothing short of incredible. From the radio airwaves to the bright lights of the gala stage, here is a look at what the “Classic Country Craftsman” has been up to lately.
Dominating the 2026 New Music Awards
The biggest highlight of the last few weeks was the 2026 New Music Awards (NMA). On February 21st, John was featured in the prestigious NMA “Winners” and Radio Breakouts edition. Building on his previous titles like AC Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Country Crossover Artist of the Year, John continues to be a favorite among both radio programmers and fans. His ability to tell honest stories through song—like his recent hits “Masquerading in the Night” and “Bring Me Home”—has kept him at the top of the independent charts throughout this period.
Nashville Connections & New Recognition
As of early March 2026, the industry buzz around John has only intensified. He was recently recognized by the Nashville Music Awards, further solidifying his place in the heart of the country music scene. Whether he’s performing at iconic spots like Bobby’s Idle Hour or collaborating with his long-time producer, Pepper Jay, John’s “storytelling soul” is clearly resonating with the Nashville community.
Spotlight: The eZWay Awards Golden Gala
One of the most anticipated events on the calendar is John’s upcoming guest musical appearance at the eZWay Awards Golden Gala on March 15th, 2026. Taking place at the Delta Marriott in Garden Grove, this high-profile Oscar viewing dinner and gala benefits the BVC Charity. John is thrilled to bring his signature sound to this star-studded evening, celebrating excellence while supporting a meaningful cause.
The “Soldiers Prayer” Momentum
John has been continuing to promote his EP, Soldiers Prayer. Since mid-February, he has shared more behind-the-scenes insights into the lead single, “Bring Me Home.” The song, which explores deeply personal themes of life and transition, has seen a surge in streaming and radio play over the last few weeks, proving that his “classic country” sound has a timeless appeal in 2026.
Multimedia and Education
Beyond the recording studio, John remains active in his other creative roles. He continues to advocate for the techniques found in his book, Acting With Your Eyes, and his collaboration with Pepper Jay on Dynamic Song Performance: The Singer’s Bible. For John, the last few weeks haven’t just been about playing music—they’ve been about mentoring the next generation of performers and sharing the craft he loves.
Community & Connection
Throughout late February and early March, John has used his platform to stay connected with his “Fandango” family. From local features on News 25 to engaging with followers on social media, he remains one of the most accessible and humble artists in the industry today. He truly believes that music is a shared experience, and that connection with the audience is what makes it all worthwhile.
What’s Next?
With more tour dates and potential new recordings on the horizon for the spring of 2026, John Michael Ferrari is showing no signs of stopping. Keep your eyes on his Facebook page for upcoming show announcements, new music leaks, and the latest updates from Water Rock Ranch!
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Blog written by Matt J. Doyle – Blog
