The CMA Music Festival

Provided by: CMA




The CMA Music Festival in Nashville, TN will be held this year from June 5-8, 2008.



Tickets are available at Ticketmaster to the four day festival. Click over to Ticketmaster or the CMA Fest site now!

Ticketmaster Official Website

CMA Music Festival Official Website




Countdowns at SeekCodes.com




Every year the CMA Music Fest seems to get bigger and better! There is no way that the "EnterTeenment News" crew could attend every event but we hit as many as we possibly could.

Here is a recap of the events we were able to attend and some tips on how we have learned to maximize our fun during this crazy week. We would love to hear about your favorite moments at the CMA Music Fest and tips you might have for fellow Country Music fans. Stop by our Myspace page and leave a comment (www.MySpace.com/EnterTeenmentNews ) or email us at EnterTeenmentFan@aol.com.


LoneStar and Friends Get Bowled Over for St. Jude's!



For the third year in a row, Lonestar and friends picked a lane and bowled for a good reason. The group's Third Annual "Strike Out For the Kids Bowling Bash" raised over $39,000 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.


Richie McDonald Strikes a Pose

"We are so excited about the amount of money we were able to raise for St. Jude Children's Hospital with this year's Bowling Party," said Michael Brit. "We couldn't have done it without all the wonderful fans and artists that came to support the event," exclaimed Richie McDonald. Dean Sams continued, "We also can't thank GAC enough for their sponsorship and coverage of the event."



The event, which was held on June 4, sold tickets through LoneStar's official Web site and gave fans the chance to bowl with their favorite country music performers. Some of the friends who showed up were Emerson Drive, Julie Roberts, Carolina Rain, Tanya Tucker, Jake Owen, Jeff Bates, Brad Cotter, Amy Dalley, Dusty Drake, Crystal Hunt, Buddy Jewell, Little Texas, Tracy Lawrence, Jerrod Niemann, Jimmy Olander, Danielle Peck, Bobby Pinson, Keni Thomas, Trent Tomlinson, Jimmy Wayne, Bryan White, Darryl Worley and Chris Young. GAC was also on hand to help out and capture the fun on camera to be shown as part of their Top 20 Countdown.



"I had a blast! I bowled much better this year," Bryan White commented. "Maybe because the fans got me my own ball! The guys in Lonestar are as good as they come. They have big hearts. They know what they've been given and want to use it to draw awareness to the needs that these children have. I'm honored to be a part of it."



By purchasing a ticket, fans were entered into a drawing to actually bowl with a celebrity. Participating artists posed for pictures, signed autographs and visited with fellow singers and fans that come back to CMA Music Fest year after year.



With fans and artists all having big hearts, there was no way for this event not to be a huge success! "From Lonestar and especially the kids at St. Jude, we send out a big 'thank you!!'" stated Keech Rainwater.

Keep visiting Lonestar's official Web Site to learn more about the 2008 event.

www.LonestarNow.com


GAC interviewed all the artist and showed coverage from the event on their Top 20 Countdown.



Find more photos from the bowling event in our Photo Gallery. Visit CMA Music Fest Revisited: Photo Gallery 1


40th Annual Fun Fest Lives Up to It's Name!

Though we weren't able to make it to the IFCO 2007 Fun Fest event, we heard that everyone had a great time. The annual IFCO Fun Fest is usually one of the highlights of our CMA Music Fest experience. We really encourage you to plan to attend this event.

The gals at the International Fan Club Organization (better known as IFCO), really know how to throw a party. They find the perfect blend of entertainment by combining a little old school country with some newer acts. This creates a mix that's just right for any country music fan.

Artists that appeared at the 2007 event included Ty Herndon, Lady Antebellum, Trick Pony, Aaron Tippin, Chris Young, and headliner, Joe Diffie. Porter Wagner was honored with IFCO's Tex Ritter Award and David McCormick of the Ernest Tubb Record Shops presented the Johnson Sisters with an award to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Fun Fest.

The best part of the show is that money from ticket sales and a silent auction during the event go to various charities. This particular event raised money for Nashville's Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt (http://www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/).

The show used to be held at the historic Ryman Auditorium but makes a move in 2008 to Cadillac Ranch on Broadway and will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2008. Make your plans now to attend the 41st Annual Fun Fest this year!

Tickets are on-sale now at: www.IFCO.org




Chely and Friends Get it �Wright� As Usual!



One of Tuesday�s biggest events is the annual Chely Wright �Reading, Writing and Rhythm� Benefit as the Wildhorse Saloon. This was lucky number seven for Chely and crew who raise money to keep music programs alive in schools.



Tickets for the event are first opened to Chely�s loyal Fan Club members and over 500 of them made it out this time around to support their favorite singer. By the time you counted other country music fans and VIP guests in attendance, more than 1,500 people filled the Nashville hot spot. �The attendance and generosity of the country music fans and concertgoers speaks volumes in support of this charity that continues to grow year after year,� said Char Daniels, Treasurer of Reading, Writing & Rhythm�, �The charity raised over $185,000 in cash and non-cash contributions last night! The attendance and monies raised far exceed years past to make this a record-breaking event.�



Entertaining the massive crowd was no problem for Chely�s guests including Keith Anderson, Chris Young, Emerson Drive, Mindy Smith, Danielle Peck, Trent Tomlinson, Clay Walker, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift. �It is so awesome to be invited to perform at Chely`s benefit concert!� Taylor said during her set. �This not my first time being here though...This is my third time that I've been in attendance. For two consecutive years, I sat in the audience and watched this show from a seat in the crowd. I love Chely's thoughts and perspective on music in schools and the reasons why she supports it so. She feels like strong music programs prevent kids from turning to drugs and alcohol. Last year, I was a sophomore at Hendersonville High School and 'music' is why I never 'dabbled' in alcohol for fun and never have. So, I can tell you that this charity is truly making a difference. Music is such an escape for me and I think every student deserves that in his or her life.�



Chely usually has a surprise or two up her sleeve and the crowd went crazy when Tanya Tucker took the stage to sing her hits like �Some Kind of Trouble� and �Delta Dawn.� The audience was also part of a special moment when Chely presented the Emerson Drive guys a plaque and led a Champaign toast in honor of the group having their first number one that week with their hit �Moments.�



A silent auction that boasted item like CD�s and autographed pictures also featured more hard to come items like a �Fly Away Package� to see Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in concert and a leather pant suit worn by Martina McBride at the Grand Ole Opry. An �All-Access � VIP Package� to the show was auctioned off on Ebay for $4,550. That lucky winner got to sit front row, center stage and have an all-access, backstage pass to the event. Everyone who won items should be proud of themselves for helping to pass out musical instruments to school children and keep music education in schools.



Chely closed the show by performing some of her songs like �Single White Female� and �It Was.� As the audience filed out, her fan club members prepared to have some one on one time with Chely. Like a seasoned pro� she was there talking with everyone until 4 AM!



This is another great event for a good cause and you should definitely plan on catching this while in Nashville. You can find out more about the 2008 party at: www.Chely.org

Tip for this event! The only seating at this event is for Chely�s Fan Club Members. Other tickets are standing room only. If you want a guaranteed seat, you should become a member of the Fan Club. If you purchase a standing room only ticket, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the show sometimes lasts for three to four hours. This event usually sells out and non-fan club members are typically let in on a first come basis. To stake out a good spot, you might want to plan to get in line early.

More Photos from Chely's Event:












Find more photos from Chely's event in our Photo Gallery. Visit CMA Music Fest Revisited: Photo Gallery 1



Photo by: Amanda Eckard / CMA

Rockin' on the Water



If you bought a ticket to the CMA Music Fest, made travel arrangements, paid for your hotel, and did nothing but sit at the River Stages from Thursday morning to Sunday evening, the experience would still be well worth the time and money. The River Stages are where you can see (and hear) some of your favorite country artists perform, along with the most talented newcomers who are sure to be your favorites in the years to come.



Case in point, while trying to cover as many events as possible for "EnterTeenment News," our crew slipped down to Riverfront area on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and just in those three short visits we were able to catch Bucky Covington, Emerson Drive, Lila McCann, Bryan White, LoCash Cowboys, Blue County, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Laura Bryna, Eric Church and Lady Antebellum. This is a great way to hear all kinds of new music as some of the artists use their time to test out new songs and then rock out with hundreds of other fans to songs you know and love!



Here are some tips about visiting the River Stages for those of you who might be attending the festival this year. Wear comfortable clothing! It gets hot down by the water and you'll probably be dancing a little (or a lot!) so you want to be sure that you are comfortable. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes too as you will probably be standing up when your favorite artists take the stage. There is also a photo line that lets you walk in front of the stage and take pictures, so you'll want to have comfortable footwear while making those rounds.



Wear your sunscreen! Even a few minutes out there can bring more attention to your skin than you realize so lather on the sunscreen! Don't forget to bring some that is gentle enough for your face. You don't want to spend the rest of the week looking like Rudolph! A ball cap or hat isn't a bad idea either, but try to keep it small. Remember, the people behind you would like to see too!



If you're going to be out there a long time, you might want to invest in those little spray fans. Those go along way to beat the heat, especially the ones that spray a little water. Just be mindful of the people around you that might have expensive camera equipment. Water can do a lot of damage to even the smallest of cameras.



If you are dead set on being in the front row, you should plan to arrive early. Check the CMA Music Fest's official site for times the doors open and when it is okay to start lining up. While you're at the site, check their rules on bringing water into the area. You should plan to drink a lot of water, so if you aren't allowed to bring drinks in� be sure to plan your budget to accommodate several bottles of water while you are out in the heat.



We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it is inevitable that a little rain is going to fall sometime during the CMA Music Fest. It always does. So if you are planning on being outdoors all day, you will want to prepare for this. Pack a couple of ponchos in your supply bag (One for you and one for your camera equipment). We would hate for all of your memories to be ruined because of a little bad weather.



The most important thing to remember at the River Stages is� HAVE A GREAT TIME! We promise that this is one aspect of the CMA Music Fest that you will never forget. No matter how many times you attend the festival, stopping by the River Stages never get old.



To find out the line-up for the River Stages this year� visit the CMA's official site. CMA Music Festival Official Website



More Photos from the River Stages:












Find more photos from the River Stages in our Photo Gallery. Visit CMA Music Fest Revisited: Photo Gallery 1




Nightly Concerts are the Hottest Ticket in Town

You know it must be the CMA Music Fest when on any give night, performers like Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Reba, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney might all be sharing the same stage! Yes, the nightly concerts during the festival cannot be missed!



Last year, Thursday night's line-up included Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, and The Wreckers with Friday showcasing Jason Aldean, Sara Evans, Little Big Town, Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry and Carrie Underwood. On Saturday, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina, LeAnn Rimes, and Josh Turner took the stage to rock the crowd. Closing the festival down on Sunday were Rodney Atkins, Big & Rich, Billy Currington, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, and Gretchen Wilson.



Surprises have become the norm at these amazing shows so no one should have been too taken aback when Kelly Clarkson joined Reba onstage for an amazing rendition of their duet "Because of You." Montgomery Gentry had a trick or two up their sleeve with they brought rocker, Ted Nugent, out to jam with them. Rascal Flatts shocked everyone by showing up to do a few numbers including their high energy "Life is A Highway." There's nothing like 30,000 country music fans singing along to the same tune. It's definitely one of the best parties that you will ever attend.



Tickets to the nightly concerts are included in the CMA Music Fest package. If you are just passing through town for a night or two, you can now purchase tickets to individual nights of the show. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com to buy online. You can also charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600.



The line-up for this year's Nightly Extravaganza so far is as follows:



Thursday, June 5 - Jewel, Montgomery Gentry, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland and Taylor Swift



Friday, June 6 - Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood



Saturday, June 7 - Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Alan Jackson, Little Big Town, Craig Morgan and Kenny Rogers

Sunday, June 8 - Bucky Covington, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans, James Otto, Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam

Don't miss one minute of these nightly get-togethers! We hope to see you there!

More Photos From the Nightly Concerts!




















Carrie Underwood is escorted to a booth at the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall to meet with fans.

CMA Music Fest Offers a "Signing Bonus"

It has to be like a fantasy for real country music fans. You're walking through a huge room and you look to your left… there's Carrie Underwood. You look to your right and there's Vince Gill. If you keep walking around the corner, you run right into Dierks Bentley and that newcomer that you just heard a couple of days on the radio ago and thought "We're going to hear big things from this guy/girl in the future."



Only this is not a fantasy. This is the Nashville Convention Center during the CMA Music Fest. Several country music artists make time to drop in and sign autographs at booths in the Exhibit Hall. Last year, everyone from Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson, Big and Rich, Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner and Bucky Covington to Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Bryan White, Kix Brooks, Mark Wills, Joe Nichols and Emerson Drive met with fans and posed for pictures. That list doesn't even begin to cover the artists who hung out with visitors for hours. Which artist caused the most excitement? That honor would probably go to Billy Ray Cyrus. Riding high on the success of "Hannah Montana," fans of all ages waited for hours to have their moment with the entertainer. Billy Ray happily signed autographs, posed for pictures and answered questions.


"7th Heaven's" Beverly Mitchell signed for hundreds of fans at her booth.

The excitement will continue this year as truTV sponsors the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall. Approximately 100 booths/exhibits will be ready to be explored by thousands of fans from Thursday to Sunday. The hall is open from 10:00AM to 6:00PM, Thursday through Saturday and 10:00AM to 4:00PM on Sunday. Doors to the Convention Center will open at 8:30AM for those wishing to line-up for the 10:00AM start time. Artists listed as having booths this year include Chris Young, LeAnn Rimes, Brad Cotter, Rodney Atkins, and Aaron Tippin (to name a few). Other organizations participating are the Fan Clubhouse, CMT, Wrangler, Universal South Records and Big Machine Records. For a complete list, visit the official CMA Music Fest Web site.

Arrive early at the Exhibit Hall if possible and try to pick up schedules of that day's autograph signings. (Each booth is responsible for having their schedule. There is no master list of who will be appearing). Some booths will require you to have a ticket to meet big name artists and participate in the signing that day. These tickets are usually handed out first thing in the morning so make note of where the booth is located. If you know an artist is signing on Saturday and you need to get a ticket, you can run to that booth first thing Saturday morning and get a ticket.


The legendary Bill Anderson shared memories with country music lovers.

Again, there is a lot of walking around the convention center so you will want to wear comfortable shoes. Scoring a meeting with your favorite singer might mean a lot of waiting around, so you might want to pack a book or an mp3 player to pass the time while you wait. Don't be shy either! Standing in line is a great way to make new friends who have the same interests as you.

Keep in mind that sometimes things come up and artists have to change their schedules (sometimes at the last minute). We know it's frustrating but please don't take it out on the people working the booth. They don't want to disappoint you either and chances are they are just as frustrated!


Blue County spent time with fans of all ages.

Be ready for your big Kodak moment! Keep extra camera batteries on hand. You might want to keep an extra disposable camera in your bag too, just in case something malfunctions on your regular camera at the worst possible time. It happens!

Again, the most important thing to remember is just enjoy your time at the Exhibit Hall. You can shop for clothes, CD's and other merchandise while you are there so plan for that in your budget. Talk with other country music fans. Maybe you can trade pictures from the Festival. When you do get face to face with your favorite performer, try to stay calm and have a good conversation. By staying calm, the artist can concentrate better on what you are saying and take something away from the experience as well.


John Berry has become a CMA Music Fest regular.

Don't forget to visit to email us your favorite celebrity encounters when you get home! (You can send them to: EnterTeenment@aol.com) Hopefully, we can post some on the site and on our Myspace page.


Country Favorites “Take us Out to the Ball Park” for a Great Cause!


It’s the unofficial kick-off to CMA Music Fest and is one of the fan’s most anticipated events of the week. The City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge rounds up tons of your favorite country artists to take a swing at striking out cancer and other life threatening diseases.

The 17th Annual game took place on June 7 at Greer Stadium and pitted rival teams, Grand Ole Opry Live and After Midnite against each other. Playing for the After Midnite team were the radio show’s host, Blair Garner, NASCAR driver, Shane Huffman, and Tennessee Titans… Ken Amato, Daniel Loper and Donnie Nickey. Country music performers on the team included, Keith Anderson, Blue County, Jason Michael Carroll, Keni Thomas, Rodney Atkins, Linda Davis, Lee Brice, Jake Owen and Emerson Drive’s Brad Mates and Dale Wallace.


The Grand Ole Opry team boasted such hit-makers as Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Craig Morgan, Trick Pony, Amy Dalley, Chely Wright, Cole Deggs, Dusty Drake, Luke Bryan, Nan Kelley, GAC's Storme Warren, Two Foot Fred, and Tennessee Titans Craig Hentrich, Rob Bironas and Robert Reynolds. We know these artists can dominate country radio but could they get a few hits on the field?


Both team’s showcased great athletic ability but inevitably it’s not so much the sportsmanship the fans show up to see. It’s the fun antics generated on the field and in the dug-out that have most of the crowd on the edge of their seat, getting the closest look at the action as possible. Whether it’s Jason Michael getting chased by the Titans’ mascot or Carrie Underwood getting tackled, there is always a must-see moment at this “sports” event.

Yes, they do keep score and I’m sure the teams know who had the most runs but the real winners here are the patients that are helped by The City of Hope. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you are also joining in the fight to end cancer and help others in need. The crowd gets to see their favorites in an unusual setting and money is raised for a great cause. This is a winning combination no matter how you slice it!

This year’s event moves to Wednesday (June 4) and is still at Greer Stadium. Artists announced to participate include: Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Phil Vassar, Jake Owen, Chuck Wicks, James Otto, Danielle Peck, as well as Tennessee Titans’ 2008 Pro Bowl defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and 2008 Pro Bowl kicker Rob Bironas, with more to be announced soon.

Tips for attending the softball game include bringing plenty of sunscreen! It’s Nashville Summer at its best, which hopefully means plenty of sunshine. You won’t believe how quickly you can get burned. Arrive early and buy a program. It’s a great keepsake and if you head down to the fence before and/or after the game, a lot of the artists will come around to sign autographs.

Prepare for rain! A lot of times the rain has wanted to interrupt the game so be sure to have some rain gear for you and your camera equipment! Again, prepare to budget for several drinks at the game. It’s important to stay hydrated during these stints in the sun.

As always, the most important thing is to have fun! Get loud and crazy while rooting for your favorite star (as long as you don’t annoy your neighbors too much or block their view!). This is a fun event! And last but not least, pat yourself on the back. Buying a ticket to this event is going to help thousands of people. Thank you!

For more information visit:

http://www.cityofhope.org/Music/celebrity_softball.htm

More Photos From Last Year's Game












All CMA Music Fest Photos by Sonya Cook unless otherwise credited



May 16, 2008

2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL OFFERS FREE ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES IN THE FUN ZONE AND McDONALD’S-DR PEPPER FAMILY ZONE

Activities Include Borders Storytelling; Music City Rising Star Youth Vocal Soloist Competition; Family Shows on the Family Zone Mainstage; and the Hard Rock Outdoor Stage in the Fun Zone

The CMA Music Festival Fun Zone and McDonald’s®-Dr Pepper® Family Zone are where you want to be for exciting free concerts, events and family activities during 2008 CMA Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville.

“The Fun Zone and the McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone are great areas for kids of all ages to play, learn, eat, and be entertained,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. “Admission and the activities are free making this a great destination for Nashville residents and fans looking for fun programs and great music in a family-friendly environment.”

MCDONALD’S® - DR PEPPER® FAMILY ZONE
Location: Hall of Fame Park
Between Fourth and Fifth Avenues on Demonbreun

Hours: Thursday, June 5 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday, June 6 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday, June 7 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Sunday, June 8 11:00 AM-4:00 PM

MCDONALD’S® - DR PEPPER® FAMILY ZONE Mainstage
The McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone Mainstage features a broad range of shows geared towards kids and families including magic with Ronald McDonald; singing and dancing with Strawberry Shortcake and friends; Country Music from the Bummkin Band starring Joe Bear Bumm Kin; folk music from the Hollow Trees; music and motivation from PBSKids host Miss Lori; high-energy, sing-alongs with Grammy Award Winner Dennis Scott; and much more.

Thursday, June 5

Kid Fiddlers 11:00 AM
Katie Chance 11:50 AM
Ronald McDonald Show 12:40 PM
Strawberry Shortcake Show 1:30 PM
Miss Lori 2:20 PM
Dennis Scott 3:25 PM
Nashville Zoo 4:15 PM

Friday, June 6

GrandBob 11:00 AM
BummKinn Band 11:50 AM
Ronald McDonald Show 12:40 PM
Strawberry Shortcake Show 1:30 PM
Adam & the Couch Potatoes 2:20 PM
Zak Morgan 3:10 PM
Tim Hannig's Pro-Kids Show! 4:00 PM

Saturday, June 7

YWCA Celebrity Auction 11:00 AM
The Hollow Trees 4:00 PM

Sunday, June 8

The Zinghoppers 11:00 AM
Eve & Mare 11:50 AM
Ronald McDonald Show 12:40 PM
Strawberry Shortcake Show 1:30 PM
Little Nashville 2:20 PM
Music City Rising Star 3:10 PM
Taylor Ware 3:30 PM

McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone Events and Activities
McDonald’s and Dr Pepper will distribute a variety of samples from their booths during the Festival in the Family Zone. Ronald McDonald will perform his interactive magic show once daily on Thursday, Friday and Sunday (June 5, 6, and 8). Sunday, June 8, is the annual Family Zone picnic (11:30 AM), with McDonald’s providing FREE sandwiches to the first 500 fans in attendance.

Borders®
Each day, Borders will sponsor celebrity storytelling on the Family Zone stage. The first 50 children to visit will receive a free copy of the book being read. Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee
The Girls Scouts of Middle Tennessee will offer a variety of arts and crafts projects in their cabin-themed activity tent: kids can create wellness kits, participate in gardening projects, make cards for Father’s Day/Veterans Day, and much more. On Sunday, June 8, 25 Girl Scouts attending “Camp Music City, USA” will join Taylor Ware in a performance on the McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone Mainstage.

Space Chimps Academy
Kids can get an advanced peek into the world of the soon-to-be-released 20th Century Fox film “Space Chimps.” Visitors to the Space Chimps Academy can earn their stripes to become an official Space Cadet.

Strawberry Shortcake
Join Strawberry Shortcake’s Big Country Fun at the Strawberryland tent with plenty of activities and fun-filled surprises.

Music City Rising Star Youth Vocal Competition
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, June 5-6, on the Fifth Avenue stage in the Family Zone Plaza. The Grand Champion “Music City Rising Star” will be announced Sunday, June 8, on the Greased Lightning™ Riverfront Stages and will perform later that day on the McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone Mainstage. The winner of this competition will receive one free private session with Linda Davis.

YWCA Celebrity Auction
Fans will have the chance to bid on memorabilia from their favorite Country artists when the YWCA returns with its Celebrity Auction on Saturday, June 7, emceed by Steve Virginia. Katie Armiger, NFL Tennessee Titans’ Cortland Finnegan, Lady Antebellum, Sherry Lynn, Heidi Newfield and GAC’s “Country Music Across America” host Storme Warren are among the artists and celebrities scheduled to appear.

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.

FUN ZONE
Location: Broadway between First Avenue South and Third Avenue South

Hours: Thursday, June 5 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday, June 6 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday, June 7 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sunday, June 8 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

The action-packed Fun Zone will keep families excited and busy for hours while they enjoy interactive games, activities, celebrity appearances, product samples, giveaways, and more.

Super 8 Motel
Super 8 will hosts an autograph signing with famous NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte on Thursday, June 5, (10:30-12:00 PM/CT) 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 (June, 8) concert.

USO
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 written greetings via the USO’s “Hello! from the Homefront” program.

Other Fun Zone Activities
Cool off on the Nashville Shores Water Slide. Get grilling tips and 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 CiCi’s Pizza®, Blue Bell Creameries, The Catfish Institute, Facecard, Greased Lightning® Home Cleaning Projects, Martha White® Foods, Tetley® Iced Tea, VAULT™ and Waggin’ Train.

THE HARD ROCK OUTDOOR STAGE SCHEDULE:

Thursday, June 5

Kyle Wyley 11:30 AM
Shawna Russell 12:10 PM
Jason Brown 12:50 PM
Indian Rodeo 1:30 PM
The Clark Brothers-Late Night Kick Off 11:30 PM

Friday, June 6

Colt Ford 11:30 AM
Bailey Grey 12:10 PM
Ash Bowers 12:50 PM
Jason Matthews 1:30 PM
Whiskey Falls–Late Night Kick Off 11:30 PM

Saturday, June 7

Tommy Joe Wilson 11:30 AM
Zane Lewis 12:10 PM
The Wrights 12:50 PM
Cody McCarver 1:30 PM
Mark Wills-Late Night Kick Off 11:30 PM

Sunday, June 8 Gloriana 11:30 AM
Billy Block & Friends
*Two Timers 12:10 PM
*Brother Trouble 12:50 PM
*Brittini Black 1:30 PM

Tickets to the individual Nightly Concerts on the VAULT(tm) stages at LP Field are on sale for $40 for reserved seats on the Lower and Club levels, and $30 for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field (plus applicable handling fees). To order tickets call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. The Nightly Concerts are also included in the Festival’s four-day ticket packages and can be purchased through the same means.

For more information on the 2008 CMA Music Festival, including a list of artists appearing and a schedule of activities, please visit www.CMAfest.com.


May 15, 2008

GET AN ALL ACCESS PASS TO SUMMER’S HOTTEST EVENT "CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL: COUNTRY'S NIGHT TO ROCK" ON ABC

Artists Performing at the Festival Include Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood

Summer heats up when ABC heads to Nashville to take you to the hottest music event of the year: "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock."

Filming Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, today's most exciting Country Music sensations will hit the stage during a four-day party and music celebration for a special that will air Monday, Sept. 8 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Some of the artists already announced to appear at the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT(tm) Concert Stage at LP Field include Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Dwight Yoakam, and surprise appearances by Country superstars – a hallmark of the Festival.

“Our announced lineup this year is very strong and exciting with a depth and variety of performers that will certainly appeal to anyone who loves Country Music,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. “But what makes this Festival really thrilling is the energy charge created when an artist the fans weren’t expecting to see steps onto that stage. The eruption of applause and screams lets us know that we delivered a Festival highlight.”

The annual event is unlike any other: four days, 30 hours of autograph signings, 100 hours of live music, hundreds of artists and celebrities, and a party list of thousands of avid, singing and dancing-till-dawn fans. This is the fourth time ABC will broadcast this special – which invites the whole country to America's biggest Country Music bash. Originally started as Fan Fair® in 1972, last year the event experienced its biggest attendance to date – 191,000.

In addition to exciting, never-before-televised music performances, viewers will also enjoy the ultimate, Country Music fan experience. In exclusively shot segments for the special, the cameras will capture behind-the-scenes moments between the artist and their fans and follow the stories of several passionate Country Music enthusiasts.

"CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" is executive-produced by Robert Deaton and directed by Gary Halvorson. The 2008 CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are still available. 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.

Four-day ticket 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 on the VAULT Concert Stages at LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stage; daily admittance to the truTV™ Fan Fair Hall, featuring the Acoustic Corner; McDonald’s®-Dr Pepper® Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy™ Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and more. Ticket prices and artist appearances are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news.


May 13, 2008

FANS AND CELEBRITIES MEET FACE-TO-FACE IN THE truTV FAN FAIR HALL AT 2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Scheduled to Appear Include Rodney Atkins, Bucky Covington, Emerson Drive, Josh Gracin, Author Denise Jackson, Little Big Town, James Otto, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, and Wynonna

CMA Music Festival is the ultimate experience for fans of America’s music, with more than 100 hours of live music, celebrity events and more during four days (Thursday-Sunday, June 5-8) in Downtown Nashville.

The event celebrates the relationship between fans and celebrities, and is perhaps best realized at its core: the truTV(tm) Fan Fair® Hall. Held at the Nashville Convention Center, the truTV Fan Fair Hall gives four-day attendees the rare opportunity to meet some of their favorite entertainment personalities, discover new talents, and receive a cherished autograph and photo.

“The artist/fan interaction in the truTV Fan Fair Hall is the heart of CMA Music Festival,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Watching their faces as the fans meet one of their favorite artists or discover a new talent is one of my favorite things to do during CMA Music Festival.”

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, June 7-8, 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 offices at both the Sommet Center and LP Field.

Artists Appearing in truTV Fan Fair Hall

Among the artists who will be appearing in booths and meeting their fans in the truTV Fan Fair Hall are: Bill Anderson, Katie Armiger, Rodney Atkins, Jeff Bates, John Berry, Laura Bryna, Tracy Byrd, Jason Michael Carroll, Cherryholmes, Brad Cotter, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Crush, Linda Davis, ABC-TV’s “One Life to Live” actress/singer Kassie DePaiva, Emerson Drive, Erika Jo, Donna Fargo, Billy Gilman, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Andy Griggs, Heartland, Con Hunley, Jack Ingram, Emma Mae Jacob, author Denise Jackson, “Dukes of Hazzard” television star Ben “Cooter” Jones, Jeannie Kendall, Kentucky Headhunters, Brenda Lee, Little Big Town, Charlie Louvin, Neal McCoy, Rich McCready, Richie McDonald, Jo Dee Messina, Michael Martin Murphey, James Otto, Jake Owen, Danielle Peck, Michael Peterson, Kevin Sharp, Ricky Skaggs, Fisher Stevenson, Sunny Sweeney, Taylor Swift, Mel Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Carrie Underwood, Rhonda Vincent, Taylor Ware, Jimmy Wayne, Bryan White, The Whites, Chuck Wicks, Trent Willmon, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley, Kyle Wyley, Wynonna, Chris Young, and many others. All artists and celebrities are subject to change.

truTV and “Black Gold”

truTV is making its debut appearance this year at CMA Music Festival. The popular cable network is promoting its highly anticipated real life series, “Black Gold.” From the creator of “Deadliest Catch,” “Black Gold” follows the real-life world of high-stakes drilling for oil in west Texas and will premiere Wednesday, June 18, at 10:00 PM/ET. The eight, hour-long episodes, which feature an original theme song written and recorded by Trace Adkins, will be previewed on screens at truTV’s booth near the entrance of the Fan Fair Hall as well as at their outdoor both in the Chevy(tm) Sports Zone.

"truTV is thrilled to be the title sponsor of the Fan Fair Hall at this year's CMA Music Festival," said Mary Corigliano, truTV Senior Vice President, Marketing. "Our upcoming original series ‘Black Gold’ is exactly the kind of show the CMA fans will love. We see the festival as a truly unique and timely opportunity to introduce this gripping new series to the CMA audience."

Borders Books & Music and Other Exhibitors

Borders® Books & Music, the exclusive CD, book and DVD retailer sponsor at CMA Music Festival, will host book and CD signings in the truTV Fan Fair Hall booth. In addition to the Exhibit Hall, Borders will also host booths at Riverfront Park and LP Field. 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 all three Borders booth locations at CMA Music Festival. All items collected will be donated to the USO for distribution.

Official CMA Music Festival merchandise can be purchased from the Music City Merchandise booth located in the truTV Fan Fair Hall. Music City Merchandise will also have booths at LP Field, Riverfront, Sommet Center, McDonald’s®-Dr. Pepper® Family Zone and the Chevy(tm) Sports Zone.

Other exhibitors include: American Songwriter Magazine; Assets®; Big Machine Records; Chevy; CMA; CMT(tm); Conway Twitty United; Country Life Magazine; Coyote Ugly; Cupit Records; Curb Records; Digital Rodeo; Fan Clubhouse; FanAttic; Grand Ole Opry; Greased Lightning® Cleaning Products; Great American Country; Hearsomethingcountry.com; IFCA; Mary Kay®; Mr. Coffee®; Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau; The Outdoor Channel; RFD-TV; Rocky Brands, Inc; SELECT COMFORT; Skaggs Family Records; Silpada Designs® Sprint Nextel Corporation; Sunday Mornin’ Country (Music City Christian Fellowship); Tetley® Iced Tea; Tootsies Orchid Lounge; Universal Music Group; Universal South; VAULT(tm); Warner Bros. Records; and Wrangler, among many others.

Mary Kay Presents the Acoustic Corner

Mary Kay Presents the Acoustic Corner, which is located outside the truTV Fan Fair Hall on the second floor of the Nashville Convention Center. The Acoustic Corner has become a popular area to enjoy intimate performances from artists on independent labels.

“Mary Kay is thrilled to be able to provide a forum for Country Music fans to enjoy the sounds of their favorite artists or discover new music and talent in a casual setting at the CMA Music Festival,” said Yvette Franco, Mary Kay Vice President, U.S. Marketing.

This is the second year that Mary Kay has sponsored this stage. Every artist performing at the Acoustic Corner will also appear in a booth in the truTV Fan Fair Hall to meet their fans. The artists selected to perform at Acoustic Corner this year are Cash Creek, Will Clements, Austin Cody, Dan Colehour, Cowboy Joe and 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 Thornton, Rhonda Towns, singer/actress Jenna von Oy, Well Hungarians, Rachel Williams, and The World’s Greatest Fishing Band. For performance times and artist schedule, please visit www.CMAfest.com.

For up-to-the-minute information about CMA Music Festival tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news.


May 10, 2008

PHIL VASSAR AND JO DEE MESSINA KICK OFF 2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL ON THE GREASED LIGHTNING DAYTIME STAGES

Bo Bice, Jason Michael Carroll, Josh Gracin, Jack Ingram and Mindy McCready Among Artists Added to Daytime Lineup

Fan favorites Phil Vassar and Jo Dee Messina will kick off 2008 CMA Music Festival on the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages Thursday, June 5 (10:00 AM/CT). Each artist’s performance is sure to rev up the crowd for all the non-stop excitement happening at the four-day event, taking place in Downtown Nashville through Sunday, June 8.

“Having Phil and Jo Dee kick off CMA Music Festival this year is going to be a real treat for our attendees,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Both artists are beloved by the fans, and they set the bar high with their live performances. This will be an exciting morning of live music!”

Curb recording artist Messina will release her fifth studio album later this year. The 1999 CMA Horizon Award winner has racked up numerous hits, including “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “I’m Alright,” “Bye Bye,” “Bring on the Rain,” “That’s the Way,” “Lesson in Leavin’” and “Stand Beside Me.”

Universal South recording artist Vassar recently debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart with his new album Prayer of a Common Man. Vassar has achieved success both as a solo artist, with hit singles including “Carlene,” “Another Day in Paradise” and “American Child;” and as a songwriter for other artists including “I’m Alright” and “Bye Bye” (Jo Dee Messina), “My Next Thirty Years” and “For A Little While” (Tim McGraw), “Right on the Money” (Alan Jackson), and more.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson, Jeff Bates, “American Idol: Season Four” runner up Bo Bice, Lane Brody, Jason Michael Carroll, Erika Jo, Billy Gilman, Josh Gracin, Andy Griggs, Con Hunley, Jack Ingram, Jamey Johnson, Mindy McCready, Joe Nichols, and Eddy Raven have also been added to the Riverfront lineup.

Additional Riverfront performers include newcomers and rising stars Dean Brody, Zac Brown, Stephen Cochran, Star De Azlan, Flynnville Train, Jeff Griffith (performing with the legendary Joe Stampley), Greg Hanna, Rick Huckaby, James LeBlanc, Jeremy McComb and Jason Meadows.

Single-day tickets for the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages will be sold the day of each show at the gate for $16 each. Children 6 and younger are admitted free of charge, making the Riverfront concerts a popular destination for families who want to enjoy great musical performances while relaxing on the sloping bank of the Cumberland River. The concerts are fun in the sun within easy walking distance of all the Festival event sites, with food vendors, activities and more.

The opening festivities are just the start of more than 30 hours of performances covering the entire range of Country Music from today’s rising stars, to legends, bluegrass, and more at the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages. Over the four day event, more than 100 artists are scheduled to perform during the Daytime Concerts.

Thursday, June 5: Keith Anderson, Bellamy Brothers, Zac Brown, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, Tracy Byrd, Jason Michael Carroll, Mark Chesnutt, Carters Chord, Emerson Drive, Erika Jo, Adam Gregory, Andy Griggs, Mindy McCready, Richie McDonald, Jo Dee Messina, David Nail, Heidi Newfield, Danielle Peck, Eddy Raven, Crystal Shawanda, Phil Stacey, Aaron Tippin, Phil Vassar, and Chuck Wicks.

Friday, June 6: Jeff Bates, Dean Brody, Eric Church, Crossin’ Dixon, Star DeAzlan, Ashley Gearing, Jeff Griffith with Joe Stampley, Jennifer Hanson, Heartland, Rick Huckaby, Jack Ingram, Sarah Johns, Jypsi, James LeBlanc, Lonestar, Lost Trailers, Jeremy McComb, Neal McCoy, Jason Meadows, Lorrie Morgan, Megan Mullins, Jake Owen, The Road Hammers, Ashton Shepherd, Fisher Stevenson, Emily West, and Chris Young.

Saturday, June 7: Katie Armiger, John Berry, Bo Bice, Stephen Cochran, Eli Young Band, Flynnville Train, Billy Gilman, Randy Houser, Emma Mae Jacob, Jamey Johnson, Justin Moore, Michael Martin Murphey, Minnie Murphy, Telstra winner Jasmine Rae, The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party (Buddy Jewell, Ray Scott, Trent Willmon and Mark Wills), Joe Nichols, Mica Roberts, The Roys, Jeffrey Steele, Doug Stone, Mel Tillis, Trailer Choir, Jimmy Wayne, Whiskey Falls, and Darryl Worley.

Sunday, June 8: Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson, Charlie Allen, Lane Brody, T. Graham Brown, Laura Bryna, Carolina Rain, Cowboy Crush, Drew Davis Band, Whitney Duncan, 2008 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Fortune, Josh Gracin, Greg Hanna, Ty Herndon, Con Hunley, LoCash Cowboys, Rockie Lynne, Raul Malo, Mel McDaniel, Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O’Neal, Rissi Palmer, Rio Grand, Sunny Sweeney, Bryan White, and Billy Yates.

The National Anthem will be sung by Deborah Allen on June 5; Adam Gregory on June 6; Rhonda Towns on June 7; and Lane Brody on Sunday, June 8.

Each day’s concert schedule is broken down into hosted segments. Among the hosts scheduled to appear during the Daytime Concerts are: “GAC Nights” host Suzanne Alexander; GAC “Master Series” host and WSM-AM/Nashville personality Bill Cody; WSM/Nashville personality Jim Day; WUBL/Atlanta personality Slam Duncan; WGSQ/Cookeville personality Philip Gibbons; owner Country Air Check and host of the weekly “CMT Country Countdown USA” Lon Helton; The Tennessean celebrity and entertainment columnist Beverly Keel; GAC “Grand Ole Opry Live” host Nan Kelley; WSIX/Nashville personality Newman; WKRN-TV entertainment reporter Brad Schmitt; WZTV-TV “Tennessee Mornings” host Kelly Sutton; WKDF/Nashville personality Becca Walls; GAC “Country Music Across America” host Storme Warren; and performer Billy Yates. Special appearances will also be made by some of the ABC Daytime actors on Saturday, June 7.

Greased Lightning has been a title sponsor of the Daytime Stages since 2002.

“We are excited about our eighth year at the CMA Music Festival” said Helmut Baker, Greased Lightning Vice President of Household Products. “We enjoy connecting with the Country Music fan base attending all the great concerts and hope everyone will get a chance to come by one of our booths at the Festival.”

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news.


May 7, 2008

2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL HOSTS BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP AND FIESTA CELEBRITY GRILLING CHALLENGE IN THE CHEVY SPORTS ZONE

CMA Music Festival is known worldwide as a four-day celebration of the relationship between Country Music artists and its fans in Downtown Nashville. Now celebrating its 37th year, the Festival also features unique events, including those held in the Chevy™ Sports Zone. This year, the Chevy Sports Zone plays host to two exciting culinary competitions: the CMA Music Festival BBQ Championship and the Fiesta Celebrity Grilling Challenge.

2008 CMA Music Festival will be held Thursday-Sunday, June 5-8. For up-to-the-minute information about 2008 CMA Music Festival tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news.

The CMA Music Festival BBQ Championship

The CMA Music Festival BBQ Championship will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8, in the Chevy Sports Zone, located in the parking lot behind the Sommet Center at Demonbreun Street and Fifth Avenue. 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. This event is free for spectators, and the general public is encouraged to come and cheer on their favorite teams while also enjoying all the free, family-oriented activities in both the Chevy Sports Zone and the McDonald’s®-Dr. Pepper® Family Zone located across the street.

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 eligibililty to participate in the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue (better known as “The Jack”) in late October in Lynchburg, TN.

“We are excited to host the BBQ Championship this year,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It is an excellent addition to CMA Music Festival. We know people take their barbecue very seriously and we look forward to watching the teams compete.”

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Executive Producer of the CMA Music Festival Tony Conway are the first two judges confirmed for the BBQ Championship.

This is a state championship-qualifying event sanctioned by the prestigious Kansas City BBQ Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying barbeque. KCBS, which is the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with more than 8,000 members worldwide, sanctions nearly 300 barbeque contests across the United States. For more information on the history of KCBS visit www.kcbs.us/about_history.php.

“We are very excited to see the CMA Music Festival add a BBQ competition and join our sanctioned network,” said Carolyn Wells, Executive Director of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. “Since BBQ and Country Music go hand in hand, we expect the CMA competition to become one of our circuit’s major venues, attracting the country’s top teams and biggest BBQ fans year after year.”

The event is organized on behalf of CMA by Arlie Bragg of Nashville’s Arlique Catering and Event Management. Bragg is a past barbeque champion, having won the Tennessee State Championship in 2004 and the California State Championship in 2005.

“Barbecue and Country Music fit together real well,” said Bragg. “We’re going to have some of the best teams in the nation here.”

Registration is already underway at www.CMAfest.com/bbq. The entry fee per team to compete is $250, which allows entrance into any or all of the four categories. In addition to the cooking space, the entry fee also includes two tickets to one of the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT(tm) Concert Stage at LP Field. Teams wishing to compete should download an application found in the Chevy Sports Zone section, fill it out and mail it along the entry fee to CMA Music Festival BBQ Championship, One Music Circle South, Nashville, TN 37203. Space is limited, so interested teams should mail their applications in quickly.

Thirty teams have already signed up to compete in the CMA Music Festival BBQ Championship, including Lotta Bull (the 2006 KCBS Team of the Year, featuring head chef Mike Davis); Bigbrig.com (three-time Memphis in May World Champion, featuring head chef Paul Hood); Moonshiners (2007 Jack Daniels World Champion, featuring head 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).

"'Country before it was cool' - that's me, man," said Chism, who is also the owner/founder of Florida-based Bad Byron's Specialty Food Products. "To come to Nashville to do what I love to do -- which is barbecue -- and be at the epicenter of the Country Music world, you can't beat that."

“Barbecue and Country Music,” summed up Hayden, “You can’t get much more American than that.”

Fiesta Celebrity Grilling Challenge

Debuting this year at CMA Music Festival is the Fiesta Celebrity Grilling Challenge. Hosted by Lee McWright, Executive Chef for Fiesta Gas Grills, the event will be held on Saturday, June 7, in the Chevy Sports Zone.

“We look forward to the debut of the Fiesta Celebrity Grilling Challenge,” said Genovese. “I know the fans are going to thoroughly enjoy watching this combination of celebrities, cooking, and all the fun in-between. It’s a natural fit for CMA Music Festival.”

Six artists and celebrities will be paired with six professional chefs in a culinary competition. Country Music Hall of Fame member Mel Tillis is the first artist confirmed for the event. Chef Jason Brumm, owner of acclaimed Nashville restaurant radius10, and Chef George Harvell from the legendary Loveless Café, have signed on as the first two professional chefs. Additional artists and chefs will be announced soon. Each participant will receive a new Fiesta Blue Ember Grill.

“I love to grill, I love to cook, I love to bake,” said Tillis. “My daddy had a little bakery in Pahokee, Florida. I grew up [there]. When I went into the Air Force, they made me a cook. I cooked for awhile then I transported to another Mess Hall and they put me to baking. So I’m experienced in all that stuff and I thought it’d be a lot of fun, too.”

Each team will create an appetizer, entrée and desert using an identical “mystery box” of food on a Fiesta Blue Ember Grill. Chef Lee will host the event and interact with the teams and the fans. A panel of judges consisting of both culinary experts and Country Music fans will score teams on appearance, creativity, taste, and tenderness. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the competition.

Fiesta Gas Grills will also host a booth in the Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First and Second Avenues. At different times throughout CMA Music Festival, Chef Lee will hold cooking demonstrations and sampling in the booth.


May 1, 2008

TAYLOR SWIFT, RANDY TRAVIS AND GRETCHEN WILSON HEADLINE SIXTH ANNUAL CMA CELEBRITY CLOSE UP SERIES PRESENTED BY GAC AT 2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Back by popular demand, The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series presented by GAC will return to CMA Music Festival for a sixth consecutive year. The session, which give fans an in-depth glimpse into an artist’s life and personality will take place on Thursday, June 5 from 1:30-3:00 PM/CT at the Ryman Auditorium.

“The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series is such a spontaneous event,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “You never know what the artists are going to reveal to the audience in the course of their conversations. It really allows them to share their personal lives with their fans.”

The session (1:30–3:00 PM) will spotlight (in order) multi-Platinum artists Gretchen Wilson, Randy Travis and Taylor Swift in separate segments as they share their unique perspectives on their careers, discuss their lives and give a sneak peek into the future. In addition, the artists will answer fan questions in a forum moderated by television personality Lorianne Crook.

All three artists received the CMA Horizon Award early in their career, recognizing their strong impact on the national musical scene when they debuted. Swift is the reigning Horizon Award winner, having received the Award in 2007. Travis received the Horizon Award in 1986. He would go on to win a total of five CMA Awards thus far, including two wins as Male Vocalist of the Year in 1987 and 1988. Wilson was named the Horizon Award winner in 2004. She followed it up with the Female Vocalist of the Year Award in 2005.

Great American Country (GAC) has been named the presenting sponsor of The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series, which will be taped for a future television broadcast by the same name on the Country Music-themed cable network.

"The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series ranks as a fan favorite with our audience because it is taped during the biggest week where Country Music fans get to see and learn more about their favorite artists,” said Sarah Trahern, Senior Vice President of Programming for GAC. “For fans who can't attend the taping, they get to see and hear all the fun on our network at a later time."

The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series was created to provide another avenue for artist/fan interaction – a signature element of the CMA Music Festival. The CMA Celebrity Close Up series is a separately ticketed event. Tickets go on sale beginning Saturday, May 3, and are $12 in advance or $17 the day of the event. They 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.

For up-to-the-minute information about CMA Music Festival tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association


April 21, 2008

2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL NIGHTLY CONCERTS ON THE VAULT CONCERT STAGES AT LP FIELD ON SALE APRIL 26

Nightly Tickets Only $40 for Reserved Seats; $30 for General Admission

The Nightly Concerts on the VAULT(tm) Concert Stages at LP Field during CMA Music Festival are both a fun and economical way for music fans to enjoy an evening of great performances during one of America�s favorite annual summer events. 2008 CMA Music Festival (now in its 37th year) takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville.

Beginning Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM, tickets to the individual Nightly Concerts will go on sale for $40 for reserved seats on the lower and club levels, and $30 for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field (plus applicable handling fees). To order tickets call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600.

The single night concert ticket option has been extremely popular with our local fans as well as those who are unable to attend all four days,� said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. �An outstanding night of music for an unbelievably low price is the perfect way to spend a summer evening with friends and family in Nashville.�

Individual tickets to the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Concert Stages at LP Field do not include admission to the Greased Lightning� Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park or the truTV(tm) Fan Fair� Hall in the Nashville Convention Center. However all of these activities are included in the Festival�s four-day ticket packages, which can be purchased through the same means.

Artists currently scheduled to appear at LP Field include (in alphabetical order):

Thursday, June 5 - Jewel, Montgomery Gentry, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland and Taylor Swift

Friday, June 6 - Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood

Saturday, June 7 - Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Alan Jackson, Little Big Town, Craig Morgan and Kenny Rogers

Sunday, June 8 - Bucky Covington, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans, James Otto, Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam

Additional artists will be announced soon. Surprise guests have also become a hallmark of the Festival, enriching an already star-packed lineup.

Traditionally limited to attendees with four-day ticket packages, individual daily tickets will be available for the first time in 2008 to the truTV(tm) Fan Fair� Hall in the Nashville Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. Tickets cost $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 offices at both the Sommet Center and LP Field.

This new opportunity allows fans an opportunity to experience the truTV(tm) Fan Fair Hall and obtain autographs and photos with some of their favorite artists. Ticket holders will also have access to the musical performances in the Acoustic Corner. These tickets do not include access to the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Concert Stages or the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park.

�We are happy to offer daily tickets to the truTV(tm) Fan Fair Hall on the weekend days of CMA Music Festival this year, said Genovese. We are always looking at ways to make the event more accessible to fans that are unable to be in town for all four days.

A limited amount of on-site, pay parking ($10 per vehicle) will be available nightly at LP Field in Lots E & F, just across the Woodland Street Bridge. This parking lot is not available for pre-purchase. It is available for purchase on-site on a first-come, first-serve basis after 5:00 PM on Thursday and Friday, June 5-6, and all day Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8. Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are also available in Downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to LP Field via the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Attendees can feel good about having a great time. CMA Music Festival is a charitable event benefiting music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education. To date, CMA has donated more than $1 million to purchase instruments and fund music programs for Nashville�s 75,000 school students. The philanthropic program, aptly titled Keep the Music Playing, was founded in 2005 as a way for the CMA Music Festival and its participating artists to give back to the community.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news.


April 16, 2008

ARTISTS ADDED TO LINEUP FOR 2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL NIGHTLY CONCERTS ON THE VAULT CONCERT STAGES AT LP FIELD

The excitement builds for 2008 CMA Music Festival as Trace Adkins, Bucky Covington, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans, Little Big Town, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, James Otto, Kenny Rogers and Randy Travis are added to the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT(tm) Concert Stages at LP Field. The four-day festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville.

"We are thrilled to host these great performers at CMA Music Festival this year," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. This group is a great mix of today�s hottest Country radio artists and legends. We know our attendees are going to enjoy them all.

In addition to achieving Country Music success, many of these artists have also become television favorites. Adkins was the runner-up on the Donald Trump-fronted Celebrity Apprentice� this year. Cyrus currently stars in Disney Channel's Hannah Montana series (and upcoming movie) with his daughter Miley Cyrus, and will host Nashville Star this summer. In 2006, Covington was a finalist on American Idol, while Evans participated in 'Dancing with the Stars. The legendary Rogers headlined all five ,The Gambler, television movies in the '80s and '90s. Both he and Travis have appeared on the television and silver screens in a variety of acting roles.

Travis will be making his first performance at CMA Music Festival in 10 years. He last performed at the event in 1998, when it was called by its original name, Fan Fair, and was held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds

Other artists already confirmed to appear at LP Field include Rodney Atkins, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood and Dwight Yoakam. Surprise guests have also become a hallmark of the Festival, enriching an already star-packed lineup.

Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are available now. 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.

Four-day ticket 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 on the VAULT Concert Stages at LP Field; Daily

Concerts on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the truTV Fan Fair Hall featuring the Acoustic Corner; McDonald-Dr Pepper Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours presented by CMT; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and more. Ticket prices and artist appearances are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news.


April 8, 2008

Fourth Annual "LONESTAR & FRIENDS STRIKE OUT FOR THE KIDS" BOWLING BASH ON MONDAY, JUNE 2!!!

This year's fourth annual "Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids" bowling bash will be held on Monday, June 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hermitage Lanes in Hermitage, TN just outside of Nashville.

For the past three years, the charity event has been a major success. The bowling extravaganza, scheduled just in time for the CMA Music Festival, has been sold out every year since being established and has raised more than $70,000 for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. With the Lonestar guys gearing up for their fourth run in the lanes, they haven't lost any passion about participating in the event.

"Every year it feels like it's something totally new, "says Lonestar's keyboardist Dean Sams. "There are always new fans and artists that come out and play that gives each year a fresh feel not to mention the cause it's something we want to keep doing for years to come."

Other artists currently scheduled to join Lonestar at the bash include, Trent Tomlinson, Jo Dee Messina, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, American Idol's Bo Bice and Diana DeGarmo, Joe Nichols, Jake Owen, Jamie O�Neal, Darryl Worley, Chuck Wicks, Bryan White, Chris Young, Ty Herndon, Heidi Newfield and Crystal Shawanda.

Tickets are $30.00 and may be purchased by check or money order. The ticket reservation form will be available online April 8 at www.countrycares.org. Tickets include admission to the event, dinner at the Hermitage Lanes and inclusion in the random drawing for a chance to play on one of the celebrity bowling teams. For each artist in attendance, four lucky fans will be drawn at random to play in the games with their favorite country music stars.

The "Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids" bowling bash is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. (CST) with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. (CST).

More artists to be announced soon - stay tuned!!!


March 17, 2008

RIDE THE ROAD TO THE CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY TETLEY ICED TEA!

Darryl Worley and Jennifer Hanson Perform in 10 Cities in April and May During the Country Music Association's Signature Tour

Fans of CMA Music Festival will soon get a localized taste of Nashville's signature music event as "Road to the CMA Music Festival Presented by Tetley Iced Tea" makes stops in 10 cities in the Southeast this April and May, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Ft. Worth, Houston, Jacksonville, Orlando, Raleigh, San Antonio, and Tampa.

The tour, which celebrates what USA Today calls "the crown jewel of Country Music festivals," features Country hitmaker Darryl Worley "(Have You Forgotten?," "I Miss My Friend," "Awful Beautiful Life)" and singer/songwriter Jennifer Hanson (performer/songwriter of "Beautiful Goodbye," and "Joyride" as well as songwriter of The Wreckers, No. 1 hit, "Leave the Pieces" performing at some of the most popular clubs in the southeast. In addition, fans will be able to sample products from Tetley Iced Tea and Greased Lightning' Cleaning Products.

"Tetley has been making iced tea for over 50 years," said Clive Rowlandson, Vice-President of Marketing for Tetley Iced Tea. "We know our product is about more than refreshment, it's about sharing good times with family and friends. That's what this tour is all about too, a great way to kick back and have fun this summer. We think Tetley Iced Tea and Country Music is a perfect partnership."

"I'm very excited about going on the road with Jennifer Hanson, she is such a great talent," exclaimed Worley. "I look forward to new relationships with Tetley Iced Tea and Greased Lightning. This will be a terrific way to lead up to the CMA Music Festival and hopefully this will increase the excitement."

"The CMA Music Festival is one of my absolute favorite events of the year," said Hanson. "When I was a little girl, I spent many of my summer vacations in Nashville with my dad, attending the shows and getting autographs. But not everyone gets to come to Nashville and experience Music Festival in Music City. It's great that the CMA and Tetley Iced Tea are sponsoring a tour that takes a little slice of the excitement that is Music Festival out on the road."

TOUR INFO

4/17/08 - Houston
Firehouse Saloon
5930 SW Freeway and Fountainview
Houston, TX 77057
Tickets available at firehousesaloon.com or at the door

4/18/08 - San Antonio
Cowboy�s Dancehall
3030 NE Loop 410 @ I-35
San Antonio, TX 78218
Tickets available at cowboysdancehall.com at the box office

4/19/08 - Dallas/Ft. Worth
Billy Bob'a
2520 Rodeo Plaza
Ft. Worth, TX 76164
Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or at the box office

4/24/08 - Orlando
Cheyenne Saloon
128 W. Church St.
Orlando, FL 32801
Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or at the box office

4/25/08 - Tampa/St. Petersburg
Jannus Landing
16 Second St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Tickets available at ticketmaster.com

4/26/08 - Charlotte
Coyote Joe's
4621 Wilkinson Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28208
Tickets available at etix.com or at the box office

4/30/08 - Birmingham
Zydeco
2001 15th Ave. S.
Birmingham, AL 35205
Tickets available at zydecobirmingham.com or ticketbiscuit.com

5/1/08 Jacksonville
Maverick's
2 Independent Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Tickets available at mavericksatthelanding.com or ticketmaster.com

5/2/08 - Atlanta
Wild Bill's
2075 Market St. NW
Duluth, GA 30096
Tickets available at ticketmaster.com

5/4/08 - Raleigh
Longbranch Saloon
600 Creekside Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27609
Tickets available at the door

Website: http://www.CMAfest.com


March 13, 2008

2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL ARTIST LINEUP GROWS WITH STAR-POWERED CONCERTS AT GREASED LIGHTNING DAYTIME STAGES

The excitement is building for 2008 CMA Music Festival, Thursday-Sunday, June 5-8 in Downtown Nashville, as artists performing at the Greased Lightning� Daytime Stages at Riverfront are announced.

�The CMA Music Festival artist performer lineup truly reflects the diversity and strength of our music,� said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. �We have today�s hitmakers, legends and rising stars from the worlds of contemporary and traditional Country Music. If you want to experience the best of the format, you�ll find it everywhere you turn during CMA Music Festival.�

In 2007, attendance at the Festival topped 191,000 with fans from every state and 21 foreign lands. In fact, 10Best.com (Trusted Advice for Travelers�), named CMA Music Festival a 2008 Best Bet for Times to Visit Nashville. Now in its 37th year, the Festival (formerly known as Fan Fair�) spotlights the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their fans while raising funds to support music education in Metro Nashville�s public schools through the CMA�s philanthropic program �Keep the Music Playing.�

Artists scheduled to perform on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages include (in alphabetical order):

Thursday, June 5

Keith Anderson, Bellamy Brothers, Luke Bryan, Tracy Byrd, Carters Chord, Mark Chesnutt, Emerson Drive, Adam Gregory, Jypsi, Lost Trailers, Richie McDonald, David Nail, Heidi Newfield, James Otto, Danielle Peck, Phil Stacey, Aaron Tippin and Chuck Wicks

Friday, June 6

Eric Church, Cowboy Crush, Crossin' Dixon, Ashley Gearing, Jennifer Hanson, Heartland, Sarah Johns, Lonestar, Neal McCoy, Lorrie Morgan, Megan Mullins, Jake Owen, The Road Hammers, Crystal Shawanda, Ashton Shepherd, Fisher Stevenson, Emily West and Chris Young

Saturday, June 7

Katie Armiger, John Berry, Lee Brice, Eli Young Band, the "Honky Tonk Tail Gate Party with Buddy Jewell, Ray Scott, Trent Willmon and Mark Wills," Randy Houser, Emma Mae Jacob, Justin Moore, Michael Martin Murphy, Minnie Murphy, Jasmine Rae, Mica Roberts, The Roys, Jeffrey Steele, Doug Stone, Mel Tillis, Trailor Choir, Jimmy Wayne, Whiskey Falls, and Darryl Worley

Sunday, June 8

Charlie Allen, T. Graham Brown, Laura Bryna, Carolina Rain, Drew Davis Band, Whitney Duncan, Jimmy Fortune, Ty Herndon, LoCash Cowboys, Rockie Lynne, Raul Malo, Mel McDaniel, Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O'Neal, Rissi Palmer, Rio Grand, Sunny Sweeney, Bryan White and Billy Yates

Additional artists will be announced as performers on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages in the coming weeks.

Admission to the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages is included in CMA Music Festival four-day ticket packages. Single-day tickets for the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages will be sold the day of each show at the gate for $16 each. Children 6 and younger are admitted free of charge, making the Riverfront concerts a popular destination for families who want to enjoy great musical performances while relaxing on the sloping bank of the Cumberland River. The concerts are fun in the sun within easy walking distance of all the Festival event sites, with food vendors, activities and more.

But the fun doesn't end there. Performers announced for the nightly concerts at LP Field include Rodney Atkins, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Dwight Yoakam. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks, and surprise artist performances, a hallmark of the event, are also being planned.

Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are available now. 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.

Four-day ticket 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 LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; McDonald's-Dr Pepper Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and more. Ticket prices and artist appearances are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

2008 CMA Music Festival Four Day Ticket Prices are: Gold Circle (SOLD OUT); Floor Level (SOLD OUT); Lower Level (adults: $145; ages 12 and younger: $102); Club Level (adults $135; ages 12 and younger: $95); Upper Level general admission (adults: $110; ages 12 and younger $78).

* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.

Between now and March 24 at 5:00 PM/CDT, fans also have an opportunity to bid on a limited number of CMA Music Festival ticket packages through Ticketmaster VIP Auctions at ticketmaster.com.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news.


March 10, 2008

CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL OFFERS LIMITED AMOUNT OF TICKET PACKAGES FOR VIP AUCTION THROUGH TICKETMASTER

The excitement continues to build towards 2008 CMA Music Festival, taking place June 5-8 in Nashville, Tenn. The event, produced by the Country Music Association, features four days of concerts, autograph signings, celebrity events and more. Artists already confirmed to perform include Rodney Atkins, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Dwight Yoakam, with more names to be announced soon.

All of the originally-available Floor and Lower Level reserved four-day seats sold out quickly. However, an extremely limited amount of newly-released Floor and Lower Level seats are now up for bidding exclusively through VIP Auction at Ticketmaster.com. When the auctions close on March 24 at 5:00 PM/CDT, the highest bidders will own these highly sought-after seats for CMA�s annual celebration of America�s Music.

Six different ticket packages are being offered through VIP Auction at Ticketmaster.com. - Two (2) Floor or Lower Level reserved four-day tickets.
- Two (2) Floor or Lower Level reserved four-day tickets and a five (5) night hotel package.
- Two (2) Floor or Lower Level reserved four-day tickets and two (2) Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum passes.
- Two (2) Lower Level reserved four-day tickets and $100 Gift Certificate for select 2008 CMA Music Festival Merchandise.
- Two (2) Floor or Lower Level reserved four-day tickets and $150 Downtown Nashville restaurant package.


To bid or for more information visit www.ticketmaster.com and look up "CMA Music Festival," or go directly to http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/w6iodi.

Club Level (adults $135; ages 12 and younger $95) and Upper Level general admission (adults $110; ages 12 and younger $78) tickets to 2008 CMA Music Festival are still available by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visiting www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visiting www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees.

Four-day ticket 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 LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; McDonald's-Dr Pepper Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and more. Ticket prices 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.

A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or Ticketmaster to order. The price is $31 for cars; $63 for vans/shuttles; and $123 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.


March 3, 2008

PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Dwight Yoakam, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins, Kellie Pickler, and Lady Antebellum are Scheduled to Perform

The initial lineup of performers for 2008 CMA Music Festival is a potent mix of Festival faithful, cross-genre first-timers and returning superstars.

"What's amazing about this year's lineup is that we have artists who are fan favorites, those who support the event year after year, coming to perform once again as well as an outstanding list of artists who are making their first appearance or retuning to our event after time away," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

The list of new and established Country headliners performing on the main stage during the nightly concerts at LP Field includes:

* Superstar Faith Hill, making her first Festival performance since 1998, when the event was known as Fan Fair.

* Sixteen time CMA Award winner and multi-Platinum selling Country star, Alan Jackson.

* Reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carrie Underwood, who has performed at the Festival every year since being crowned American Idol in 2005.

* Actor and musical innovator Dwight Yoakam, who last performed at the Festival in 1988 alongside Buck Owens at the Nashville Fairgrounds.

* Reigning CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Sugarland.

* Reigning CMA Horizon Award winner Taylor Swift.

* Jewel, making her debut CMA Music Festival performance.

* Musical firebrand and four-time CMA Award nominee Miranda Lambert.

* New traditionalist and four-time CMA Award nominee Josh Turner.

* Festival favorite and CMA Horizon Award Nominee Rodney Atkins.

* American Idol alumni and CMA Horizon Award nominee Kellie Pickler.

* And, Lady Antebellum, making their first appearance in the Nightly Concerts at LP Field.

CMA Music Festival will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville. In 2007, the CMA Music Festival featured more than 400 artists and celebrities, 100 hours of concerts, 35 hours of autograph signings for 191,000 fans from every state and 21 foreign countries. The 2008 CMA Music Festival promises to bring even more excitement, and best of all, the Festival will once again support music education in public schools.

CMA, in a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, has donated more than $1 million to further music education programs for the 75,000 children in the Metro Nashville school system. The philanthropic program, aptly titled "Keep the Music Playing," was founded in 2005 as a way for the CMA Music Festival and its participating artists to give back to the community.

"The generosity of our artist community is what makes it possible for us to support music education in our community," said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese.

Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are available now. 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.

Four-day ticket 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 LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; McDonald's-Dr Pepper Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and more. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

2008 CMA Music Festival Four Day Ticket prices are: Gold Circle (SOLD OUT); Floor Level (SOLD OUT); Lower Level (adults: $145: ages 12 and younger: $103); Club Level (adults $135: ages 12 and younger $95); Upper Level general admission (adults $110: ages 12 and younger: $78).

* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.

A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or Ticketmaster to order. The price is $31 for cars; $63 for vans/shuttles; and $123 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.


February 4, 2008

FANS CLAMOR FOR TICKETS TO 2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Four-Day Tickets Selling Faster Than Ever Before

Official CMA Music Festival Merchandise Now Available Online at CMAfest.com

CMA Music Festival is the ultimate destination for music lovers. Four days, 35 hours of autograph signings, 100 hours of live music, 400 Country Music artists and celebrities, and more than 191,000 fans add up to one major musical philanthropic event: 2008 CMA Music Festival, held Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville.

�I describe CMA Music Festival to those who have never been as �spring break� for adults,� said Karyn Tomaski of Palm Harbor, Fla. �CMA Music Festival was, without a doubt, our best vacation experience. Can�t wait for June!�

Dubbed the �crown jewel� of Country Music festivals by USA Today, CMA Music Festival builds on the reputation of Fan Fair�, which was created exclusively for the fans in 1972. And 37 years later, the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA Music Festival.

�My two sisters and I have travelled from Ireland to Nashville for the last five years and always have a great time at the CMA Music Festival,� said Barbara Purcell of Dublin. �It is brilliant to see all of the artists perform at the same venue. In 2007, we brought more friends with us. They enjoyed the whole experience and are planning a return trip. We will be back!�

Each June, the artists take time out of their busy touring schedules to perform for free, meet fans, sign autographs, and pose for photos as a way of giving back to the people and community that have supported them throughout the year. Half the net proceeds from the Festival are donated on behalf of the artists to CMA�s charity campaign �Keep the Music Playing.� The program supports music education in Metro Nashville�s 136 public schools through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education (NAPE). To date, CMA has donated more than $1 million to purchase equipment and instruments to meet the music education needs of the county�s 75,000 public school students.

�CMA Music Festival is a unique experience that could only take place in Nashville,� said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. �Thousands of people come to Music City from around the globe to hear the music that made our city famous and interact with the artists who create it through autograph signings and one-of-a-kind events. We welcome these fans of America�s music to Nashville�s signature music event.�

�CMA Music Festival is truly the best time anyone could ever have!� said Susan Thompson, of New Berlin, Ill. �The town of Nashville itself is a huge highlight of the Festival. The atmosphere is unlike any other town. The locals are great and welcome you in. There is so much to do outside of the concerts � great food, great shopping, and great sightseeing.�

The 2007 CMA Music Festival generated $21 million in direct visitor spending for the city, according to the Nashville Visitors and Convention Bureau (NCVB). Since moving the Festival to Downtown in 2001, visitor spending has increased from $15.5 million to the current $21 million.

�A world-class music festival in the world�s �Music City� � what could be more perfect?� asked Butch Spyridon, President of the NCVB. �The event is truly the highlight of the year and the $21 million in visitor spending is icing on the cake.�

Following the record-setting aggregate attendance of 191,000 in 2007, tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are selling at a brisk pace � 14 percent ahead of last year and 38 percent ahead of tickets sold by this date in 2006.

�It speaks to the strength of the event and the popularity of Nashville as a tourist destination that our sales are outpacing each previous year,� said Genovese. �We are poised to have another very successful year.�

CMA Music Festival fans are dedicated and they don�t mind telling their friends and families.

�I have attended CMA Music Festival every year since 2003,� said Joyce Spicer of West Bath, Maine. �The first year I went alone. The following year my husband had to go to witness for himself all of the excitement that I had tried to convey to him. We have attended every year since. Last year, my children went and love it every bit as much as we do. We will be back this year with bells on � well, at least sun screen on!�

Tracie Molter of Waterford, Mich., made new friends from Florida at CMA Music Festival in 2006. �Not only do you meet celebrities, but you meet and make friends that you will have for a lifetime.�

CMA Music Festival is about the fans and their relationship to both the artists and the music they love. Four days filled with activities and events, building up to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field with state-of-the-art production and heart-pounding entertainment, the fan-favorite CMA Music Festival Photo Line, and giant video screens showcasing all the fun.

Surprise artist appearances are a hallmark of CMA Music Festival and 2007 didn�t disappoint with Reba McEntire performing with Kelly Clarkson, rocker Ted Nugent joining Montgomery Gentry and a surprise performance by five-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year Rascal Flatts. As plans come together for 2008, surprise performances and unique collaborations are always considered.

�CMA Music Festival is also a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth of Country Music,� said Genovese. �Our format includes an amazing array of talented artists representing the many styles of Country Music and we are thrilled to spotlight them for the fans.�

In addition to the Nightly Concerts, fans will enjoy four days of nonstop music during the Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning� Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park with an eclectic lineup of artists performing on dual stages, including Country hit-makers, rising stars, legends, bluegrass performers, and surprise guests. Music can also be heard in Acoustic Corner at the Nashville Convention Center, the site of the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall), which features daily autograph sessions, shopping and lifestyle exhibits from with extended hours Thursday and Friday, June 5-6, (10:00 AM-6:00 PM); 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8.

�I loved the Riverfront Park performances,� said Rosalie Jonas of British Columbia, Canada. �Every area gives you a great view of the stage. There, I met John Conlee and had my picture taken with him. The Festival is the ultimate experience for Country Music fans.�

�The Riverfront shows are always a thrill,� said Karen Newman of Frankfort, Ky. �It is such a relaxed atmosphere and it is a treat to see new artists perform.�

�When we weren�t at the Riverfront, we were at the Exhibit Hall looking for autographs,� said Rachel Atcheson of Lilburn, Ga. �The atmosphere was awesome because it was just a lot of people getting together to hang out. The stars wanted to meet fans as much as the fans wanted to meet them. And they were always eager to get to know you and see how you�re liking the Festival.�

CMA Music Festival offers many other opportunities for fans to interact and see their favorite stars in unique settings, whether asking questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up sessions, presented by GAC, or watching the artists compete in friendly competitions in the Chevy� Sports Zone.

The Chevy Sports Zone, which is free and open to the public in the parking lot adjacent to the Sommet Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame� and Museum, at the corner of Demonbreun Street and Fifth Avenue, offers fans the opportunity to participate in sporting activities plus see unique celebrity competitions and appearances from professional athletes. A strong relationship exists between sports personalities and Country artists and it is a proven winner with fans, too.

�I really enjoyed the Sports Zone,� said Annette Gasper, of DeForest Wis. �It was a lot of fun to see the artists enjoying a little friendly competition with their fellow stars.�

The McDonald�s�-Dr Pepper� Family Zone is a fun stop for the entire family. Free to the public and open daily at the park across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the McDonald�s-Dr Pepper Family Zone is the place for children and adults to kick back and enjoy games, hands-on educational exhibits, storytelling with Country artists, and more. In fact, CMA Music Festival is very family-friendly with a discounted price for children age 12 and younger � making it an attractive family vacation.

A haven for fans of all ages, the Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First and Third Avenues, will sparkle with activities that include interactive displays, games, and product sampling. Daily access to these popular attractions is free and open to the public.

For a deeper look into the lives of some of our musical heroes and their road to stardom, there is the CMA Celebrity Close Up, presented by GAC, on Thursday, June 5 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. CMA Celebrity Close Up gives fans an opportunity to submit questions for celebrity panelists. The sessions are taped for future airing on GAC television. A separate ticket is required. The artist lineup and ticket on-sale date for 2008 will be announced soon.

At CMA Music Festival, the fun doesn�t end with the closing fireworks at LP Field. Night-owls will find many late-night activities that are part of CMA Music Festival After Hours�. Clubs and bars in Downtown Nashville offer outstanding entertainment and exclusive specials for attendees, making CMA Music Festival After Hours a favorite activity.

Kristen Theall of Sunset, La., attended CMA Music Festival for the first time in 2006. �It was great. I met so many people. After the concerts, meet-and-greets and other activities, I was getting only about five hours of sleep a night in those four days. But it was definitely worth it. I can�t wait to go again.�

CMA Music Festival is always in motion, constantly evolving and growing. New events are on the horizon, with more information to be announced as plans come together.

Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville are available now. Fans are encouraged to purchase early for best available seating.

To order tickets for the 2008 CMA Music Festival 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.

Four-day ticket 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 LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; McDonald�s-Dr Pepper Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

2008 CMA Music Festival Four Day Ticket Prices are: Gold Circle (SOLD OUT); Floor Level (SOLD OUT); Lower Level (adults: $145; ages 12 and younger: $102); Club Level (adults $135; ages 12 and younger: $95); Upper Level general admission (adults: $110; ages 12 and younger $78).

* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.

A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available by phone order only. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or Ticketmaster to order. The price is $31 for cars; $63 for vans/shuttles; and $123 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.

Attending is easy. Numerous tour operators provide tour packages including CMA Music Festival tickets, accommodations, and tickets to other Nashville attractions, such as the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Visit www.visitmusiccity.com or call 1-800-657-6910 for more information on tour packages as well as hotel listings and information about camping sites and RV parking.

Gray Line offers an all day Park N Ride shuttle service from the Music Valley/Opryland area to the CMA Music Festival events. To purchase a separate pass and make an advance Gray Line satellite shuttle service reservation call 1-800-251-1864 or visit www.graylinenashville.com

Shuttle service from outlying areas of Nashville to CMA Music Festival events will be available from several park-and-ride locations with unlimited access on the Gray Line Satellite Shuttle. To purchase a separate pass and to make advance Gray Line Satellite Shuttle reservations, call 1-800-251-1864 or (615) 883-5555, or visit www.GraylineNashville.com.

Merchandise for the 2008 CMA Music Festival is now available for sale online. Attendees can come dressed to impress with a line of clothing that captures the spirit and style of the event including the official CMA Music Festival 2008 Cactus unisex T-shirt and logo hoodie. To purchase official event merchandise, visit www.CMAfest.com.

The site also features up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more. Attendees can also sign up for CMA Exclusive e-news at www.CMAfest.com.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Borders� Books & Music: The Exclusive Music & Book retailer of the CMA Music Festival. Wrangler�: The Exclusive Jean of the CMA Music Festival. Additional promotional partners include, Dr Pepper�, Greased Lightning� Cleaning Products, McDonald�s� and Music City Rising Star. Fan Fair� is a registered trademark of CMA.


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