NASHVILLE, TN. (Country
Music Association/ www.CMAfest.com) - Artists continue to sign-on for the 2005 CMA
Music Festival, the "crown jewel of Country
Music festivals" according to USA Today. "Country Music's Biggest Party" takes place Thursday-Sunday, June 9-12, in Downtown Nashville.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, Trick Pony and Jeff Bates and are the latest additions to the artist lineup for the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum. "The Nightly Concerts lineup continues to reflect both the strength and diversity of the Country Music genre," said Ed Benson, CMA Executive Director.
Lynyrd Skynyrd will make their CMA Music Festival debut, performing on Sunday night, June 12. The multi-platinum Lynyrd Skynyrd, considered the definitive Southern Rock band, have electrified audiences for more than three decades. Thyrty - The 30th Anniversary Collection, a two-CD set released in 2003, was recently certified Platinum by the RIAA for more than one million copies sold. The legendary band's latest albums are Vicious Cycle and Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour on Sanctuary Records.
"Lynyrd Skynyrd's unique fusion of rock, blues and Country Music make them a perfect addition to CMA Music Festival," said Benson.
Curb recording trio Trick Pony will perform on Thursday night, June 9. The band was nominated for a CMA Award in 2004 in the Vocal Group of the Year category. The energetic entertainers are known for such songs as "Pour Me" and "On a Night Like This." Trick Pony's current single is "It's a Heartache."
RCA recording artist Jeff Bates will perform at The Coliseum on Sunday, June 12. Bates made a powerful impact with fans and Country radio this year with the romantic single "Long, Slow Kisses" from his album Rainbow Man.
Pre-Show Activities Thursday, June 9 will begin at 7:30 PM with Capitol Nashville recording artist Jamie O'Neal performing the National Anthem. In addition, Curb/Asylum recording artist Cowboy Crush will perform "He's Coming Home" as a salute to the U.S. Armed Forces. The U.S. Marine Color Guard will also participate in the Pre-Show Activities.
The Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum (home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans) begin each night at 8:00 PM/CDT (with Pre-Show activities beginning at 7:30 PM/CDT on Thurs., June 9, only), and feature non-stop entertainment with state-of-the-art production on dual stages with fireworks at the conclusion of each show.
The artist lineups for the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum are as follows:
Thursday, June 9: Pre-Show Activities; Dierks Bentley, Dolly Parton and The Grascals, Julie Roberts, Sugarland, Trick Pony, Keith Urban, Phil Vassar and Lee Ann Womack
Friday, June 10: Sara Evans, Josh Gracin, Alan Jackson, Craig Morgan, Rascal Flatts, SHeDAISY, Blake Shelton and Travis Tritt
Saturday, June 11: Trace Adkins, MirandaLambert, Jo Dee Messina, Joe Nichols, Kenny Rogers, Wynonna and Trisha Yearwood
Sunday, June 12: Jeff Bates, Big & Rich with Special Guest Appearance by Cowboy Troy, Diamond Rio, Andy Griggs, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sawyer Brown, Van Zant and Gretchen Wilson
