24 Hours with Damon Whiteside

Behind the scenes with the Academy of Country Music’s CEO on a Live Show Day

It’s not Damon Whiteside’s first time to executive produce ACM Honors, but the excitement of having a live audience for the first time (since pre-Covid) and the multi-locale stage sites made this August’s live-streaming show a new challenge. Since returning to Nashville from California (relocating the ACM offices), Damon spent much of that time in quarantine - like the rest of us. Working the keyboard, making calls, and signing major deals for the organization, including one with Amazon Prime Video, are all part of his day. He’s been able to do much of that from his beach place on 30A, where he will be marrying his fiancé Craig in October. The two also opened a fantastic new ‘staple’ for that area called WATERHOUSE PROVISIONS + BOTTLE SHOP with a couple of friends, adding another business interest to his lengthy resume.

He’s licensed in real estate (CA), a competitive runner, on the boards of Nashville Cares, The Entrepreneur Center – and treasurer of his 12South neighborhood association. He likes visiting Europe often and just completed the first level of his sommelier training, which calls him to Napa, of course. Award week or not, Damon is an incredibly busy and driven guy. But busy doesn’t bother him because he’s living his dream, showing gratitude for what he calls his ‘blessed and full’ life every single day. Look for him around Music Row, puttering out on the lake, or at SOHO HOUSE once the club officially opens its VIP doors.

Photos courtesy of D. Whiteside and Getty Images for ACM (John Shearer)

6:30 AM

“Despite being up late for ACM’s Party for a Cause charity concert the night before, an addiction to my Peloton calls. I’m in the final stages of the Strength program, so I took a class in that series. On a less hectic day, we might grab our Beagle, Jake, and head out for a run. Then it’s catching up, making dinner plans, and just prepping for the day. This morning it was ‘scatter and scurry’ down to the RYMAN to start rehearsals and meet with my board officers and staff on final details. Coffee, please!”

Damon's Dog Jake

12:30 PM

“I might typically be having a business lunch at one of my favorite Nashville standards like ETC., J. ALEXANDER'S, or BRICKTOP'S. Or if it’s sunny, on the rooftop (I LOVE rooftops!) of THE THOMPSON, GRADUATE HOTEL, or VIRGIN POOL CLUB. No such luck today. I have butterflies in my stomach and am nervous about the show going smoothly. Live events are about staying calm, so I keep telling myself that to get through the day.”

Bricktop's

6:00 PM

“Showtime’s getting close, and I have zero time to leave and prepare before stepping out on stage and in front of the camera. It’s a quick change, and water-splash freshen up in the men’s restroom before I have to get side-stage and ready for my cue to open the night. From there, the show just goes- it’s all a blur to me; things are moving so fast from that point.”

Photos courtesy of D. Whiteside and Getty Images for ACM (John Shearer)

10:30 PM

“The show’s a wrap, and everyone’s happy. It’s so great to see all the artists congratulating each other and knowing that I got to be a big part of this night. It’s upstairs for a toast with the board and supporters, and then I am ready to get in the car with my fiancé and head home to see our pup and (finally) go to bed. Usually, there might be a little late-night HGTV viewing (my obsession), but tonight it’s light’s out.”

Carly Pearce; Photos courtesy of D. Whiteside and Getty Images for ACM (John Shearer)

“Tomorrow morning, our leaders are meeting to do reviews and make plans for 2022. The cycle never ends. But I’m hopping on a plane shortly after that, headed to my hometown/L.A., to hang with friends and just completely chill out.”