The 2008 CMA Music Festival gets bigger and better with music, sports, food and fun. There is so much to do and see at this four-day festival that it takes seven days to get it all in. In addition to the CMA Global Artist Party on Monday and the AristoMedia Global Showcase on Tuesday, The Fourth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” will be held Wednesday. The 2008 CMA Music Festival officially begins Thursday and continues through Sunday with hundreds celebrities and artists, 100 hours of concerts, 30 hours of autograph signings, family activities, sporting competitions, grilling and barbequing contests, interactive exhibits, giveaways games, and much more. CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour television special. “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” will air on the ABC Television Network Monday, Sept. 8
The 2008 CMA Music Festival gets bigger and better with music, sports, food and fun. There is so much to do and see at this four-day festival that it takes seven days to get it all in.
CMA Music Festival goes international with the “CMA Global Artist Party,” co-sponsored by Digital Rodeo, Monday, June 2 (6:00-10:30 PM) at The Stage on Broadway. Hosted by Jace Everett, the Global Artist Party will feature performances from a variety of international Country Music artists including Troy Cassar-Daley (Australia), Jessie Farrell (Canada), Shea Fisher (Australia), Kat’Lee Jones (Belgium), The Murphy Band (Ireland), Jasmine Rae (Australia), Johnny Reid (Canada), and Wim van de Vliert (Netherlands).
On Tuesday, June 3 (3:30-6:00 PM) at The Second Fiddle on Broadway, Robert Reynolds hosts the AristoMedia Global Showcase. Artists participating include Victoria Banks (Canada), Jason Blaine (Canada), Adam Harvey (Australia), Jetty Road (Australia), Tracy Killeen (Australia), Amber Nicholson (Canada), Felicity Urquhart (Australia), and Mark Wells (Australia).
Both of these events are free and open to the public.
Country Hit Parade
“The Fourth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” will be held Wednesday, June 4 (2:00 PM) featuring Country Music artists and celebrities riding in Chevy Corvette convertibles and Silverados. James Otto is the Grand Marshal and other participants include Deborah Allen, Katie Armiger, riders from Championship Bull Riding, Erika Jo, Crystal Gayle, The Grascals, Jeff Griffith, Indian Rodeo, Lonestar, Jason Meadows, Mountain Heart, Michael Martin Murphey, several of NASCAR’s top drivers, One Flew South, The Roys, Phil Stacey, Keni Thomas, Trent Tomlinson, Rhonda Towns, Kyle Wyley, and Chris Young. Other participants include the Antioch High School Marching Band and Drill Team; the Overton High School drumline; the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee riding on their float; the Boy Scouts of Middle Tennessee, and various Southeast Region Chevy Youth Baseba ll teams. In addition, a caravan of Corvette enthusiasts will join the parade.
Beginning at the corner of Broadway and Sixth Avenue North, the procession will travel down Broadway; turn right on Third Avenue South; proceed down Third Avenue South until turning right on Demonbreun; proceed up Demonbreun to Sixth Avenue, and end at the Sommet Center.
Immediately following the parade, “The Third Annual CMA Block Party” will take place at the Chevy Music Stage (3:00 PM) on the Chevy Plaza at the Sommet Center (Fifth Avenue South and Broadway). Performers include Keith Anderson, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Joe Nichols, James Otto, Phil Stacey, and Chris Young.
Bring On the Night
An official part of CMA Music Festival this year is “Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam” on Wednesday (10:00 PM) at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Stuart’s seventh annual event, benefitting MusicCares and CMA’s Keep the Music Playing education campaign, features performances by Charlie Daniels, Mike Farris, Dallas Frazier, Kostas, Kathy Mattea, Old Crow Medicine Show, John Rich, Connie Smith, The SteelDrivers, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Sunny Sweeney, Gretchen Wilson, and surprise guests.
A separate ticket is required for the Late Night Jam and can be purchased at www.ryman.com.
The Fun “Officially” Begins
The 2008 CMA Music Festival officially begins Thursday and continues through Sunday with hundreds celebrities and artists, 100 hours of concerts, 30 hours of autograph signings, family activities, sporting competitions, grilling and barbequing contests, interactive exhibits, giveaways games, and much more.
“CMA Music Festival is the ultimate destination for music lovers,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. “Fans come back year after year to experience all of the fun and excitement that the Festival and the City of Nashville have to offer. From our daily concerts on the Greased Lightning® Riverfront Daytime Stages, to the truTV(tm) Exhibit Hall, our free stages in the Zones, the After Hours parties, and of course the nightly concerts on the VAULT(tm) Concert Stage at LP Field, our lineup is amazing. CMA Music Festival is a music lover’s dream.”
“Keep the Music Playing”
And it all aids music education for public school students through the benefit program “Keep the Music Playing.” The artists who participate in CMA Music Festival are not compensated for the hours they spend performing and signing autographs. To show its appreciation, CMA contributes half the net proceeds from the event on behalf of the artists. To date, CMA has contributed more than $1.1 million to support music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools.
“Rollin’ on the River”
Phil Vassar and Jo Dee Messina will kick off four days of non-stop concerts with their high energy shows at the Greased Lightning Riverfront Daytime Stages on Thursday (10:00 AM). Joining them during the opening show will be Deborah Allen, Luke Bryan, Jason Michael Carroll, and Chuck Wicks. And that is just the beginning. Over the course of the Festival, more than 100 artists are scheduled to perform on the banks of the Cumberland River.
Artists include Charlie Allen, Bill Anderson, Keith Anderson, Katie Armiger, Jeff Bates, Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, Bo Bice, Lee Brice, Dean Brody, Lane Brody, T. Graham Brown, Zac Brown, Laura Bryna, Tracy Byrd, Carolina Rain, Carters Chord, Mark Chesnutt, Eric Church, Stephen Cochran, Cowboy Crush, Crossin Dixon, Star DeAzlan, Drew Davis Band, Whitney Duncan, Eli Young Band, Emerson Drive, Erika Jo, Flynnville Train, Jimmy Fortune, Ashley Gearing, Billy Gilman, Josh Gracin, Adam Gregory, Joe Griffith with Joe Stampley, Andy Griggs, Greg Hanna, Jennifer Hanson, Heartland, Ty Herndon, The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party featuring Buddy Jewell, Ray Scott, Trent Willmon and Mark Wills, Randy Houser, Rick Huckaby, Con Hunley, Emma Mae Jacob, Sarah Johns, Jamey Johnson, Jypsi, James LeBlanc, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Lost Trailers, Rockie Lynne, Raul Malo, Jeremy McComb, Neal McCoy, Mindy McCready, Jason Meadows, Justin M oore, Lorrie Morgan, Megan Mullins, Mel McDaniel, Richie McDonald, Michael Martin Murphey, Minnie Murphy, David Nail, Heidi Newfield, Joe Nichols, Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O’Neal, Jake Owen, Rissi Palmer, Danielle Peck, Telstra winner Jasmine Rae, Eddy Raven, Rio Grand, The Road Hammers, Mica Roberts, The Roys, Crystal Shawanda, Ashton Shepherd, TG Sheppard, Phil Stacey, Jeffrey Steele, Fisher Stevenson, Doug Stone, Sunny Sweeney, Mel Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Rhonda Towns, Trailer Choir, Jimmy Wayne, Emily West, Whiskey Falls, Bryan White, Darryl Worley, Billy Yates, and Chris Young.
The concerts are hosted by a variety of celebrities and broadcast personalities including GAC host Suzanne Alexander, GAC and WSM-A
M personality Bill Cody, 95.5 The Wolf’s Jim Day, CMT’s “Gone Country” contestant and “American Idol” finalist Diana Degarmo, WUBL/Atlanta’s Slam Duncan, WGSQ-FM personality Phillip Gibbons, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton, GAC Radio’s Donna Hughes, Tennessean columnist Beverly Keel, WSIX midday jock Newman, WKRN News Channel 2’s Brad Schmitt, co-host of FOX 17’s “Tennessee Mornings” Kelly Sutton, 103.3 WKDF’s Becca Walls, “Country Music Across America’s” Storme Warren, singer/songwriter Billy Yates, and the stars of ABC Daytime.
Single-day tickets for the Greased Lightning Riverfront Daytime Stages will be sold the day of each show at the gate for $16 each. Children 6 and younger are admitted to the Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning Riverfront Daytime Stages free of charge with a paying adult, making this a very family-friendly destination during the Festival.
Party Under the Stars
LP Field will become VAULT Country with samples of the hybrid energy soda available as fans exit the stadium. The Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field (home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans) feature the biggest names in Country Music, emerging stars and surprise guests. Fans have a front-row shot from the popular Photo Line, which is in constant motion in front of the stage during the performances.
Pre-show activities opening night (7:30 PM/CT) include the presentation of the Stars and Stripes by the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station Nashville Color Guard and a fly over with FA-18s from The Bengals of VMFA (AW)-224 from Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C. Lyric Street recording artist Phil Stacey will sing the National Anthem and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will officially welcome the fans to Music City. Performers include (artists and schedule subject to change):
Thursday, June 5 (7:30 PM) – Jennifer Hanson, Montgomery Gentry, Kellie Pickler, Luke Bryan, Jewel, Taylor Swift, and Sugarland.
Friday, June 6 (7:45 PM) – Ashton Shepherd, Jack Ingram, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner, Jake Owen, and Faith Hill.
Saturday, June 7 (7:45 PM) – Jason Michael Carroll, Craig Morgan, Little Big Town, Jamey Johnson, Rodney Atkins, Darryl Worley, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson, and Kenny Rogers.
Sunday , June 8 (7:45 PM) – Chuck Wicks, James Otto, Bucky Covington, Randy Travis, John Stephan, Sara Evans, Billy Ray Cyrus, Phil Stacey, and Dwight Yoakam.
Hosts for the Nightly Concerts are “General Hospital’s” Bradford Anderson, CMT personality Allison DeMarcus, “One Life to Live’s” Kassie DePaiva, “All My Children’s” Bobbie Eakes, “All My Children’s” Ricky Paull Goldin, “General Hospital’s” Rebecca Herbst, standup comedian Killer Beaz, “General Hospital’s” Jason Thompson, and GAC and XM personality Storme Warren.
The Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field feature state-of-the-art production and fireworks at the conclusion of each show. The fireworks display is generously sponsored by VAULT on Thursday, June 5; Greased Lightning on Friday, June 6; and Chevy(tm) on Saturday, June 7.
Tickets for each nightly show at LP Field can be purchased at a cost of $40 for reserved seating and $30 for general admission. Single night tickets can be purchased in advance through the CMA Music Festival Box Office at The Sommet Center Box Office, 501 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn., or toll free at 1-800 CMA-FEST (262-3378). Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at (615) 255-9600, www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket price does not include applicable handling fees.
Single night concert tickets will also be sold during CMA Music Festival at the LP Field ticket office beginning Wednesday. The single night concert ticket is only good for that night’s performance at LP Field.
truTV(tm) Fan Fair® Hall
The lifestyle exhibits and autograph booths in the Nashville Convention Center are a traditional favorite. Entrance into the truTV Fan Fair Hall is included in the four-day ticket package. For the first time ever, individual daily tickets will be available for Saturday and Sunday, for $20 per day, plus applicable handling fees. The tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); or onsite during the event at the box office at the Sommet Center. Artists scheduled to sign autographs include legends, today’s hitmakers and tomorrow’s hopefuls.
Performers and celebrities scheduled to appear in the truTV Fan Fair Hall include Curtis Alan, Charlie Allen, Deborah Allen, Suzanne Alexander, Bill Anderson, Keith Anderson, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Sam Bass, Jeff Bates, Bo Bice, Bonnie Lou Bishop, Bluefield, Bonner Bolton, Lee Brice, Lane Brody, Jason Brown, Brownell & Richey, Luke Bryan, Laura Bryna, Sarah Buxton, Tracy Byrd, David Byrnes, Caitlin & Will, Don Campbell, Carolina Rain, Jason Michael Carroll, Cash Creek Band, Mark Chesnutt, Billy Childers, Eric Church, Steven Clawson, Will Clements, Stephen Cochran, Austin Cody, Bill Cody, Dan Colehour, Elizabeth Cook, Katie Cook, The Coppolas, Brad Cotter, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Troy, Timothy Craig, Candice Crain, Crook & Chase, Stephen Dale, Justin David, Star De Azlan, Deepstep, Diana DeGarmo, Kassie DePaiva, Drew Davis Band, Eric Durrance, Eli Young Band, Emerson Drive, Ralph Emery, Erika Jo, Jace Everett, Donna Fargo, Joey & Rory Feek, Fl ynnville Train, Crystal Gayle, Freddie Gill, Billy Gilman, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Jack Greene, Ben Gregg, Adam Gregory, Jeff Griffith, Angela Hacker, Jennifer Hanson,Vince Hatfield, Heartland, Tuff Hedeman, Amanda Henkel, Ty Herndon, Katelyn Hobson, Lucas Hoge, Shelby Horner, Hot Apple Pie, Julianne Hough, James House, Randy Houser, Rick Huckaby, Con Hunley, Jack Ingram, Julie Ingram, Emma Mae Jacob, Buddy Jewell, Jamey Johnson, Ben “Cooter” Jones, Zona Jones, Jypsi, Christian Kane, Cooper Kanngiesser, Sage Keffer, Kentucky Headhunters, Johnny Knapp, Mikel Knight, David Kroll, Lady Antebellum, James LeBlanc, Ladden Ledbetter, Zane Lewis, Little Big Town, Little Texas, Jake Littlefield, Lonestar, The Lost Trailers, Sherry Lynn, Marshal Reign, Daniel Lee Martin, Joey Martin, Kim McAbee, Cody McCarver, Jeremy McComb, Neal McCoy, Rich McCready, Mel McDaniel, Steve McGranahan, Jason Meadows, Charlotte Medley, Jo Dee Messina, Barry Michael, Ronnie Milsap, Travis Moody, DeAnne Moore, Justin Moore, Moore & Moore, Lorrie Morgan, Brooke Morton, Mountain Heart, Michael Martin Murphey, Mustang Creek, David Nail, Josh Newcom, Heidi Newfield, Joe Nichols, Nick Nicholson, David Paul Nowlin, One Flew South, Jamie O’Neal, Todd O’Neil, James Otto, Jake Owen, Ashlee Page, Danielle Peck, Michael Peterson, Reunionaires, Amber Rhodes, Steve Richard, Riders In the Sky, Rio Grand, The Road Hammers, Julie Roberts, Mica Roberts, The Roys, Sammy Sadler, David St. Romain, Travis Sellers, Kevin Sharp, Crystal Shawanda, Ashton Shepherd, Thom Shepherd, TG Sheppard, Martha Sides, Wesley Silcox, Wade Sims, Damon Smith, Daniel Smith, Skyla Spencer, Phil Stacey, Fisher Stevenson, Paul Stout, Sunny Sweeney, Taylor Swift, Keni Thomas, Mel Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Trent Tomlinson, Rhonda Towns, Trailer Choir, Carrie Underwood, Jessica Cayne Urick, Rusty Van Sickle, Phil Vassar, Jenna von Oy, Taylor Ware, Darren Warren, Storme Warren, Jimmy Wayne, Well Hungarians, Emily West, W hiskey Falls, Bryan White, Jonalee White, White Acre, Chuck Wicks, Rachel Williams, Trent Willmon, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson, Blake Wise, Nicole Witt, Steven Woolsey, Darryl Worley, Wynnona, Billy Yates, Chris Young and many others. Artists are subject to change.
A popular feature of the truTV Fan Fair Hall is Mary Kay ® Presents the Acoustic Corner. This area, on the second floor of the Nashville Convention Center in Room 209, offers independent artists a place to showcas
e their talent. Open daily (Thursday and Friday 11:00 AM -5:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday (11:00 AM – 3:15 PM), Mary Kay Presents Acoustic Corner is free for all four-day ticket holders. Artist performance times will be posted on-site daily.
Artists scheduled to perform at Mary Kay Presents the Acoustic Corner include Cash Creek, Will Clements, Austin Cody, Dan Colehour, Cowboy Joe & The Babcocks, Timothy Craig, James Taylor Curtis, Justin David, Kassie DePaiva, Jace Everett, Chris Gray, Ben Gregg, Dennie Hall, Sage Keffer, Jimmy Kish the Flying Cowboy, Miko Marks, Marshal Reign, Brooke Morton, Mustang Creek, Todd O’Neill, Ashlee Page, Thom Shepherd, Damon Smith, TelluRide, Brandi Thorton, Rhonda Towns, Jenna von Oy, Well Hungarians, Rachel Williams, and World’s Greatest Fishing Band. Artist lineup is subject to change.
Zoned Out
Chevy(tm) Sports Zone is the place for sporting fun, friendly competitions between celebrities, athletes, and more. Located in the parking lot at the corner of Demonbreun and Fifth Avenue (behind the Sommet Center), the Chevy Sports Zone is open Thursday through Saturday (11:00 AM-5:00 PM) and Sunday (11:00 AM-4:00 PM). Admission is free to the public.
On Thursday the “Ultimate K9s Sports Show presented by Waggin’ Train Dog Treats” will entertain fans with three shows (11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM). John Misita and his amazing K9s are the premiere Frisbee dog entertainers in the world with a show full of cutting edge, high flying acrobatics. Misita adopted all of his dogs, and their show promotes the importance of pet adoption and healthcare.
Also on Thursday (12:30 PM-3:30PM), “The Field & Stream Celebrity Total Outdoorsman Challenge presented by Mobil 1” will certainly be a highlight. Country Music artists and other celebrities will get to show off their outdoor skills with contests in archery, fly casting, bait casting, and air rifle and attempt to dethrone the two-time Total Outdoorsman Challenge Champion Paul Thompson. Celebrities scheduled to compete include Rhean Boyer of Carolina Rain, Kevin Fowler, Greg Hanna, Daniel Lee Martin, Jeremy McComb, Rusty Tabor, Bryan White, Mark Wills, and more.
NASCAR fans can get autographs from some of the sport’s hottest drivers in the Chevy Sports Zone on Thursday (2:30 PM-3:30 PM). Jason Keller (No. 11 America’s Incredible Pizza Chevrolet/CJM Racing), Brad Keselowski (No. 88 NAVY Chevrolet/JR Motorsports), David Stremme (No. 64 Atreus Homes and Communities Chevrolet/Rusty Wallace Racing), and Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet/Richard Childress Racing) will all be on hand to sign autographs and meet their fans. 2008 World Series of Asphalt Champion Logan Ruffin will be signing as well. In addition, FLW pro fisherman Luke Clausen and Larry Nixon will be signing and sharing fishing tips.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday (1:00 PM and 3:00 PM), DockDogs Competitions Presented by Outdoor Channel will take place. The competitions will take place in the DockDogs’ 25,000 gallon mobile pool. Up to 30 dogs will compete each day in three different events: Big Air® – long jumping for dogs, where dogs compete for longest distance jumped from the end of the dock; Extreme Vertical® – the high jumping equivalent where dogs attempt to grab a bumper at increasing heights; Speed Retrieve(tm) – a speed event where the dog is timed from a “go” signal until a bumper is retrieved at a point a specific distance from the edge of the dock. On Sunday, the winners from Thursday-Saturday will compete for the chance to move on to the United States Championship to be held in Minnesota in the summer. On Sunday (2:00 PM/CT), the DockDogs Celebrity Challenge will team artists and canines for high flying competition. Competitor s include CMT’s Katie Cook, Julie Roberts, Phil Stacey, Trent Willmon, Mark Wills, and more.
On Friday (11:00 AM-1:00 PM), the Celebrity Sports Challenge Presented by Glaceau VitaminWater® Hosted by Steve Azar will be held in the Chevy Sports Zone. The Sports Challenge is a fan favorite with an astounding array of professional athletes and celebrities competing alongside artists in friendly competitions. Particiapants include:
. Terry Ahola, U.S. Olympic Ski Team Member
. Deborah Allen, artist
. Bradford Anderson, star of “One Life to Live”
. Jessica Andrews, artist
. Rob Bironas, kicker for the Tennessee Titans
. Bomshel, artist
. Chad Brock, artist
. Jeremy Cain, linebacker for the Tennessee Titans
. Rocky Calmus, NFL linebacker (Tennesee Titans/Indianapolis Colts)
. Carolina Rain, artis t
. Steve Cole, former NFL linebacker (Cleveland Browns/Philadelphia Eagles)
. John Castellanos, star of “The Young and The Restless”
. Brad Cotter, artist
. Jim Fitzpatrick, actor
. Colt Ford, artist
. MJ Garrett, from MTV’s “The Real World”
. Craig Hentrich, NFL punter (Tennessee Titans/New York Jets/Green Bay Packers)
. James House, artist
. Angela Jerman, LPGA golfer
. Ray Lloyd, professional wrestler
. Steve Lundquist, member of the U.S. Olympic swim team
. Jesse Mahelona, NFL defensive tackle (Tennessee Titans/Atlanta Falcons)
. Marcel, artist
. Brad Mates, of Emerson Drive
. Jason Meadows, artist
. John Adam Murph, artist
. Josh Stamer, linebacker for the Tennessee Titans
. Keni Thomas, artist
. Gino Torretta, NFL quarterback (Minnesota Vikings/Detroit Lions)
. Kevin Turner, NFL running back (New England Patriots/Philaelphia Eagles)
. Two Foot Fred, Muzik Mafia personality
. Gary Valentine, actor
. Jimmie Van Zant, artist
. Bryan White, artist
. Wild Bill, “AM Choppers Show” personality
. Wolf, American Gladiator
At 12:00 PM/CT on Friday, Field & Stream will hold their Total Outdoorsman Challenge local and regional qualifying events in the Chevy Sports Zone. Outdoor enthusiasts will test their skills in archery, air rifle and bait casting skills. The local qualifier champion will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2008 CMA Awards for two.
Also on Friday (2:00 PM), the Outdoor Life Calling for Conservation competition will take place. Hosted by Shoot Straight TV’s Chad Schearer, this ultimate game-calling contest will highlight the launch of a new conservation program: Outdoor Life’s “Project Save-A-Stream,” a nationwide program dedicated to cleaning up our waterways. This is a new nationwide program to clean up our waterways. Schearer will lead professional and celebrity callers, including singer Jason Brown, in a contest to determine the best turkey and big game calls. Throughout the coming year, Outdoor Life’s “Project-Save-A-Stream” will lend support to water clean-up projects around the country. To nominate a waterway in your area to receive assistance, please visit OutdoorLife.com.
Saturday (11:00 AM-5:00PM) and Sunday (11:00 AM-3:00 PM) in the Chevy Sports Zone, the first ever CMA Music Festival BBQ Championship will take place. Teams from across the nation will compete in four categories (pork ribs, pork shoulder, beef brisket and chicken) for a chance to win a share of more than $17,000 in cash and prizes to be distributed to category winners. The Grand Champion of the CMA Music Festival BBQ Championship will receive $2,500, a CMA Awards trip package for two including accommodations, an invitation to take part in the prestigious KCBS-sanctioned American Royale competition, and eligibility to participate in the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue (better known as “The Jack”) in late October in Lynchburg, TN. Thirty teams are ready to compete including Lotta Bull (the 2006 KCBS Team of the Year, featuring head chef Mike Davis); Bigbrig.com (three-time Memphis in May World Champion, f eaturing head chef Paul Hood); Moonshiners (2007 Jack Daniels World Champion, featuring he
ad chef Chad Hayden); Ulcer Acres (considered the “Reverend of BBQ,” featuring Head Chef Randy Twyford); and Buttrub.com (a multiple award winning team at barbeque contests, featuring head chef Byron Chism). Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Tony Conway, Executive Producer of the CMA Music Festival will be among the judges. The winner will be announced Sunday at 3:00 PM.
Country artists can try their hand at bull riding on Saturday (11:00 AM-12:00 PM) during the CBR/RFD-TV Celebrity Bull Riding Challenge. Artists will square off against champion bull riders to see who can make the eight seconds. Hosted by Tuff Hedeman, five-time World Champion and President of CBR, other participants include Jason Brown, Ladden Ledbetter, Jake Littlefield, Josh Newcom, Danny Rivera, Travis Sellers, Wesley Silcox, Trent Willmon, and Steve Woolsey.
Also on Saturday (2:00 PM-4:00 PM) the Chevy Sports Zone will be the location for the Fiesta Celebrity Grilling Challenge. Hosted by Lee McWright, Executive Chef for Fiesta Gas Grills, artists and celebrities will be paired with professional chefs in a culinary competition. Judges include Emma Feigenbaum, Everyday Food Associate Editor and co-host of PBS television series “Everyday Food,” and Kay West, food critic, freelance journalist and People correspondent. Competitors include:
. Jason Brumm, owner of radius10 restaurant (Nashville)
. Lorianne Crook, co-host of RFD-TV’s “Crook & Chase”
. George Harvell, chef at the Loveless Cafe
. Jamie O’Neal, artist
. Mel Tillis, artist
. Karl Trohaska, chef at Sheraton Hotels Nashvill e
. Brian Uhl, Executive Chef at Sunset Grill, Midtown Café and Cabana (Nashville)
. Mark Wills, artist
On Sunday (11:30 AM), “The Third Annual New Holland/Michael Peterson Celebrity Tractor Race” will take place. During this event, Country Music artitsts and celebrities will race against the clock through an obstacle course on a New Holland Boomer(tm) compact tractor. In addition to Peterson, participants include:
. Alvarado Road Show, artist
. Rob Bironas, kicker for the Tennessee Titans
. Billy Block, host of “Western Beat”
. Mark Collie, artist
. Kerry Collins, NFL quarterback (Carolina Panthers/Tennessee Titans)
. Joey Feek & Rory Martin Feek, contestants from CMT’s “Can You Duet”
. Jimmy Fortune, 2008 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
. Greg Hanna, artist
. Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board
. Chuck Leavell, Rolling Stones’ keyboardist
. Darby Ledbetter, National Guard member
. Zane Lewis, artist
. Daniel Loper, tackle for the Tennessee Titans
. Robert K. Oermann, Country Music historian/journalist
. Danny Rivera, artist
. Michael Roos, offensive tackle for the Tennesee Titans
. Ray Scott, artist
. Keni Thomas, artist
. Jimmie Van Zant, artist
. Trent Willmon, artist
. Billy Yates, artist
The McDonald’s®-Dr Pepper® Family Zone is designed for young children as well as the young at heart. This free area, located at the Hall of Fame Park at Fifth Avenue South and Demonbreun Street in front of Hilton Hotel, is open Thursday-Saturday (11:00 AM-5:00 PM); Sunday (11:00 AM-4:00 PM).
At the McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone, kids can climb inflatables, participate in interactive games, arts and crafts, and more, while everyone can enjoy the exhibits, displays, food sampling and giveaways from Coca-Cola®, Dr Pepper, the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Space Chimps, and Strawberry Shortcake.
CMA Music Festival’s younger fans can enjoy live music and stage shows at the Family Zone’s Main Stage. Performers slated to appear include Adam and the Couch Potatoes, Katie Chance, Eve and Mare, Grandbob, Tim Hannig’s Pro-Kids Show, The Hollow Trees, Kid Fiddlers, Little Nashville, PBS’ Miss Lori, Zak Morgan, Nashville Zoo Rainforest Show, Ronald McDonald Show, Dennis Scott, Strawberry Shortcake Show, Taylor Ware, and The Zinghoppers.
For the second year, top high school vocalists from across the country will compete for the prestigious title “Music City Rising Star.” Performances will take place Thursday-Friday, on the Main Stage in the Family Zone Plaza. The Grand Champion “Music City Rising Star” will be announced Sunday on the Greased Lightning Riverfront Stages and will perform later that day on the McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone Main Stage. The winner of this competition will receive one free private session with Linda Davis.
On Saturday (10:30 AM-3:00 PM), the 25th Annual YWCA Celebrity Auction will take place. Hosted by Steve Virginia with appearances by Katie Armiger, Jason Michael Carroll, Tennessee Titan Cortland Finnegan, Lady Antebellum, Sherry Lynn, Heidi Newfield, GAC host Storme Warren, and Brent Young, this popular event will feature a special videotaped message from Martina McBride and signed items from Trace Adkins, Alabama, Jason Aldean, Keith Anderson, Asleep at the Wheel, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Terri Clark, Jessi Colter, Bucky Covington, Billy Currington, Billy Dean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill, Josh Gracin, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, Danielle Peck, John Prine, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Kenny Rogers, Blake Shelton, Phil Stacey, Taylor, Swift, Randy Travis, Carrie Underwood, Ke ith Urban, Phil Vassar, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley, Wynonna, and more.
On Sunday (11:30 AM-1:30 PM), McDonald’s will provide free lunch to the first 500 guests at the McDonald’s Family Picnic.
The Carl Black Chevy booth is the place to go to meet and get autographs from celebrities and artists. Scheduled to appear are Big D & Bubba, Luke Bryan, Crossin Dixon, Adam Gregory, Justin Moore, Heidi Newfield, David St. Romaine, Ashton Shepherd, and Emily West.
Other Family Zone activities include character visits from Wow! Wow! Wubbzy and The Cabbage Patch Kids; and exhibits from Carl Black Chevrolet, Chevy(tm) Safe Kids, Coca-Cola®, and more.
The Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First Avenue South and Third Avenue South, will keep families excited and busy for hours while they enjoy interactive games, activities, celebrity appearances, product samples, giveaways, and more. Cool off on the Nashville Shores Water Slide. Get grilling tips, watch fun cooking demos from Fiesta Gas Grills and register to win a FREE grill. You can also stop by booths from others sponsors including Blue Bell Creameries, The Catfish Institute, CiCi’s Pizza®, Facecard, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products, MARTHA WHITE FOODS, Tetley® Iced Tea, VAULT and Waggin’ Train.
On Thursday (10:30 AM-12:00 PM), Super 8 will host an autograph signing with famous NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte and will have a register-to-win drawing for an autographed guitar. Super 8 is also sponsoring the “Super 8 Top 8,” where attendees can vote at the Super 8 booth for their favorite performances from any of the CMA Music Festival concert stages. The top eight performances will be revealed at LP Field before Sunday night’s concert.
Also in the Fun Zone, the USO will partner with CMA and Borders® for “Music Outreach.” Borders will collect CDs, books and DVDs purchased by customers to be sent to the troops. Collection areas for these items will be set up at Borders’ stores at the truTV Fan Fair Hall, Greased Lightning Riverfront Stages, and at LP Field. All items collected will be donated to the USO for distribution to troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other overseas locations. Tours of the Mobile USO unit will be offered to the general public. There also will be a hospitality area for troops and their families set up in the canteen location. Visitors will have the chance to demonstrate their support for the troops through writte
n greetings via the USO’s “Hello! From the Homefront” program.
New this year in the Fun Zone is the Hard Rock Outdoor Stage. Free and open to the public, this stage will showcase an array of Country Music artists including Brittini Black, Ash Bowers , Brother Trouble, Jason Brown, The Clark Brothers, Colt Ford, Gloriana, Bailey Grey, Indian Rodeo, Zane Lewis, Cody McCarver, Jason Meadows, Shawna Russell, Two Timers, Whiskey Falls, Mark Wills, Tommy Joe Wilson, The Wrights, and Kyle Wyley.
Put Some Drive In Your Country
The Chevy Plaza, at Fifth Avenue South and Broadway, is free and open to the public. Here fans can participate in the Chevy Ride & Drive Friday through Sunday and test drive some of the hottest Chevy cars and trucks.
In addition, there will be live daily concerts on the Chevy(tm) Stage. Artists participating in the daily concerts include Deborah Allen, Band of Heathens, Sonny Burgess, The Grascals, The Greencards, Hot Apple Pie, James House, Jedd Hughes, James Intveld, Sierra Hull, Kingbilly, La Familia, Little Joe, Lucky Bucks, Bobby Marquez, Daniel Lee Martin, Augie Meyers, Chase Mitchell, Cory Morrow, Mountain Heart, Gary Nichols, One Flew South, Noe Palma, Michael Peterson, Rueben Ramos, Charlie Rich, Jr., Riders in the Sky, Julie Roberts, SteelDrivers, Trent Summar, Keni Thomas, Dan Tyminski, and Michelle Wright.
XM Satellite radio will be broadcasting live each day from the Chevy Plaza.
CMA Celebrity Close Up presented by GAC(tm)
Back by popular demand, The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series presented by GAC, Great American Country Television Network will return to CMA Music Festival for a sixth consecutive year. Hosted by television personality Lorianne Crook, these sessions give fans an in-depth glimpse into an artist’s life and personality. Two sessions are scheduled at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Session One: Thursday (1:30 PM-3:00 PM) with Taylor Swift, Randy Travis and Gretchen Wilson.
Session Two: Thursday (4:00 PM-5:30 PM) with Bucky Covington, Sara Evans. Joe Nichols, and Jake Owen.
CMA Celebrity Close up presented by GAC is a separately ticketed event. Ticket prices are $12 in advance or $17 the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Fans can also visit www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Ryman Auditorium Box Office to purchase tickets.
CMA Music Festival After Hours presented by CMT
When the lights go down on LP Field’s Nightly Concerts, the festivities are just beginning at 16 downtown clubs and lounges as CMA Music Festival After Hours presented by CMT gets underway.
“The Official CMA After Hours Kick-Off Concerts” will be held at the Hard Rock Outdoor Stage. The concerts will be held Thursday-Saturday following the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Stage at LP Field. These concerts are free and open to the public. Artists participating include The Clark Brothers, Whiskey Falls, and Mark Wills.
Clubs participating in CMA Music Festival After Hours include Bailey’s Pub & Grille, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Buck Wild Saloon, Cadillac Ranch, Coyote Ugly, Hard Rock Café Nashville, Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, Legends Corner, Limelight, Nashville Crossroads, Rippy’s Smokin’ Bar & Grill, Robert’s Western World, Second Fiddle, The Stage on Broadway, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and Wildhorse Saloon.
Hard Rock Café Nashville’s Stub Hub Songwriters in the Round will return to the CMA Music Festival After Hours lineup for its second year. These performances provide fans a glimpse into the stories behind the songs. Broadcast live on XM channel 16, proceeds from these shows benefit Musicians on Call.
Participating songwriters include Jessi Alexander, Dave Berg, Rodney Clawson, Ashley Gorley, Marv Green, Brett James, Luke Laird, Lee Thomas Miller, Tim Nichols, Bobby Pinson, Jon Randall, and Rivers Rutherford.
ABC Daytime Stars Shine at Festival
Stars from ABC’s hit daytime dramas will make appearances at the 2008 CMA Music Festival. The actors include Bobbie Eakes (“Krystal Carey”) and Ricky Paull Goldin (“Jake Martin”) from “All My Children”; Kassie DePaiva(“Blair Cramer”) from “One Life To Live”; and Bradford Anderson (“Damian Spinelli”), Rebecca Herbst (“Elizabeth Webber”), and Jason Thompson (“Dr. Patrick Drake”) from “General Hospital.”
They’ll be busy! The actors will host concert performances at the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park; participate in storytelling in the McDonald’s – Dr Pepper Family Zone; take part in the Celebrity Sports Challenge presented by Glacèau Vitaminwater, hosted by Steve Azar, in the Chevy Sports Zone; and introduce artists performing, during the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field.
The actors will also make a stop at the ABC Block Party, which takes place on Saturday (1:30-5:00 PM) at the stage facing Fifth Avenue between the Sommet Center and the Hilton Hotel. Fans will enjoy performances, giveaways and special activities at this free event hosted by Bob Guiney of “The Bachelor.”
Getting Around
A limited number of on-site, pay parking spots ($10 per vehicle) will be available each night at LP Field in Lots E and F, just across the Woodland Street Bridge. This parking lot is n ot available for pre-purchase. It is available for purchase on-site, on a first-come, first-serve basis Thursday and Friday (after 5:00 PM); and all day Saturday and Sunday. Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are also available in Downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to LP Field via the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.
CMA Music Festival activities are conveniently located in Downtown Nashville within walking distance. Plus, there is access to free shuttles at major CMA Music Festival event sites for all four-day ticket holders. Downtown shuttles run daily on a continuous loop. Handicapped-accessible shuttle buses are available with attendants to offer assistance.
Shopping
CMA Music Festival attendees can treasure the experience long after the event is over with merchandise purchased at this year’s event.
The Festival product line will be available onsite through Music City Merchandise. Booths will be set up at the truTV Fan Fair Hall, Greased Lightning Riverfront Daytime Stages, McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone, and LP Field. Additionally, merchandise will be available at The Sommet Center on Wednesday and Thursday during registration hours. Merchandise is subject to availability. CMA Music Festival stores and store locations are subject to change without notice. For complete merchandise information, or to order online, visit www.CMAfest.com.
Attendees can also purchase music on-site. Borders will have music stores set up at the truTV Fan Fair Hall, Greased Lightning Riverfront Daytime Stages and LP Field.
2008 Ticket Packages Still Available
Four-day ticket packages for 2008 CMA Music Festival are still available. The package categories correspond to different levels of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field; Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning Riverfront Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the truTV Fan Fair Exhibit Hall featuring Mary Kay presents the Acoustic Corner; McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy Sports Zone; Chevy Music Stage; CMA Music Festival After Hours presented by CMT; free in-town shuttles; the award-winning CMA Music Festival Program Book; and CMA Music Festival pin. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices and artists are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.
* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.
2009 CMA Music Festival Tickets
The 2009 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 11-14, in Downtown Nashville. Tickets for 2009 CMA Music Festival will be available for sale only in Nashville on Saturday and Sunday (9:30 AM-6:00 PM) at The Sommet Center Box Office, 501 Broadway; Saturday (9:30 AM-10:00 PM) at the LP Field Box Office and Sunday (1:00 PM-10:00 PM) at the LP Field Box Office.
Tickets for the 2009 CMA Music Festival will go on-sale nationwide Monday, June 11 (10:00 AM/CT).
To order tickets, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at 615-255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE.
2009 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUR-DAY TICKET PACKAGE PRICES
LEVEL ADULT 12 & YOUNGER
Gold Circle (Floor) $300 n/a
Floor Renewable $185 $123
Floor Level &n bsp; $175 $123
Lower Level Renewable $165 $109
Lower Level $155 $109
Club Level Renewable $155 $102
Club Level & nbsp; $145 $102
Gold Circle (floor) includes front stage reserved floor seating with great views; exclusive wait staff offering convenient food and beverage service at your seat; and preferential parking at LP Field (one complimentary pass per order). Limit four tickets per order. Gold Circle (floor) seats for the 2008 CMA Music Festival sold out quickly after going on sale last year. Order early for best seating.
ABC Television Special – Monday, Sept. 8
As previously announced, CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour television special. “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” will air on the ABC Television Network Monday, Sept. 8 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET). Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Gary Halvorson is the Director. This is the fourth year the special has aired on ABC. The primetime special debuted on the CBS Television Network in 2004. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.
Both the concerts and the interaction between the artists and fans will be captured in the special with heart-pounding performances interspersed with heart-warming encounters between the artists and their avid admirers. Taped exclusively for the special, cameras will follow the stories of several Festival attendees, who will have their dreams come true when they are granted a surprise, once-in-a-lifetime meeting and personal encounter with their favorite Country stars.
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