Rissi Palmer Honored with ACM Lift Every Voice Award Ahead of New Wavemakers Series Season at the Carolina Theatre

Series Curated by Grammy-Nominated Singer Rissi Palmer

DURHAM, NC —September 17, 2025— The Carolina Theatre of Durham proudly celebrates Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and advocate, Rissi Palmer, who was recently honored with the Academy of Country Music’s Lift Every Voice Award, recognizing artists who elevate marginalized voices in country music.

The honor comes just weeks before the launch of a new season of The Wavemakers Series, the groundbreaking music and conversation program curated by Palmer in partnership with the Carolina Theatre. Tickets for the new Wavemakers shows will be on sale at the Carolina Theatre box office and website on September 23 at 10:00 am.

Palmer was celebrated at the ACM Honors in Nashville on August 20, where she was recognized for her pioneering work as the creator and host of Apple Music’s “Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer.” During the ceremony, performances by Miko Marks, Wavemaker selection Madeline Edwards, and K. Michelle paid tribute to Palmer’s artistry and impact. Accepting the award on her birthday Palmer reflected on her journey in Nashville and the importance of embracing the very differences that make artists stand out.

“In a time where we are being told that it’s not okay to stand out, I want everyone out there, all the little girls who don’t see themselves — I want you to know your story is important,” Palmer stated in her acceptance speech. “That’s one of the most beautiful things about country music, is that it’s all about the story —write your stories because your stories are important.”

The ACM recognition underscores the mission of The Wavemakers Series. The series highlights emerging voices in multiple genres of music — particularly artists of color and those underrepresented in the industry — through an intimate blend of live performance, on-stage interviews, and audience Q&A.

“Wavemakers is more than a concert series — it’s a chance to meet extraordinary artists up close, hear their stories, and discover new voices shaping the future of music,” Palmer said.

Past Wavemakers performers included Denitia, Gabe Lee, Madeline Edwards, SistaStrings, and local duo Larry & Joe. The new season will continue the tradition of spotlighting groundbreaking talent and creating space for diverse stories, a lineup that includes blues artist Buffalo Nichols (Nov. 6), indie folk artist Grace Givertz (May 28), and more. The performances will take place from November through May 2026 at the Carolina Theatre.

To learn more about the series, visit www.carolinatheatre.org.

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About The Carolina Theatre of Durham:

Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the city-owned Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is dedicated to presenting vibrant, thought-provoking film and live performances that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Durham and the Triangle Region. More information at carolinatheatre.org.

Contact: Hanna Mercer
Senior Director of Marketing, Carolina Theatre of Durham
hanna@carolinatheatre.org