Nashville, TN (CMA) - CMA
Music Festival is the ultimate destination for music lovers. Four days, 30 hours of autograph signings, 70 hours of live music, 400 Country
Music artists and celebrities, and 145,000 fans add up to one major musical charity event: 2006 CMA
Music Festival "Country Music's Biggest PartyT," held
Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11, in Downtown Nashville, Tenn.
"CMA Music Festival has become a world-class event mixing music stars with celebrities from sports and television," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "This uniquely Nashville event to benefit charity is enjoyed by thousands of visitors from around the nation and around the world. And they are all here for one thing - to celebrate the music."
It is a party with something for everyone. The music spans the genre and the activities appeal to all ages - from children in the Family and Fun Zones to the party-hardy, club hoppers during CMA Music Festival After HoursT. And the opportunities to meet and interact with the artists - a hallmark of this event for the past 35 years - continues in 2006 with numerous activities for every taste and interest, from sports to cooking, cars to boats.
"CMA Music Festival is a four-day, non-stop celebration of America's music for people of all ages who love great songs, great artists and a great time," Genovese said.
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 35 years later, the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA Music Festival. Each June, the artists take time out of their busy touring schedules to play for free, meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos, to give back to the people and community that have supported them throughout the year.
Returning in 2006 are Brooks & Dunn, Terri Clark, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley and LeAnn Rimes. Artists making a repeat appearance include Trace Adkins, Jessica Andrews, Steve Azar, The Bellamy Brothers, Lane Brody, Sonny Burgess, Billy Currington, Linda Davis, Emerson Drive, Sara Evans, Jace Everett, The Fox Brothers, Andy Griggs, Hot Apple Pie, Con Hunley, Buddy Jewell, Miranda Lambert, Brice Long, Montgomery Gentry, Oak Ridge Boys, Ray Scott, Blake Shelton, Keni Thomas, Carrie Underwood, Mark Wills, Trent Willmon, Darryl Worley, Chely Wright and Michelle Wright. Newcomers Susan Haynes and Danielle Peck will be participating in their first CMA Music Festival, and additional artists will be added in the coming weeks.
"I think the Festival is great for the music and for the fans," said Paisley. "It's a great way for everyone to come together, and I know everyone who comes has a blast. It gives a real lift to Country Music because it's such a positive event, and it's fun for everyone."
"Nashville was so great in welcoming me to CMA Music Festival last year, and I am so excited to be coming back again this year," said Underwood.
"I love playing the CMA Music Festival each year because it's one of the very best audiences you could hope for," said Adkins. "It's one of the places you can perform where you know everyone there is a big Country Music fan."
"I have always been amazed by the fans who come to CMA Music Festival," said Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry. "This is a huge part of their lives, and we are very honored to be a part of it."
Montgomery's partner, Troy Gentry, remarked, "The connection between Country Music fans and artists is what makes Country Music unique among all genres of music. No other format has this personal touch."
"I can still hardly believe that I performed last year on the same stage that I watched the Country icons perform on so many times growing up," said Lambert. "I have had an amazing year since the release of Kerosene last March. Being asked to perform at The Coliseum again this year is icing on the cake! When you are on that huge stage it hits you that you are singing for the people who truly love Country Music - it's a little intimidating but exciting at the same time. I am so thankful that CMA has enough confidence in me to give me a great time slot again. Playing the arena tours with Keith Urban and George Strait has helped develop my show and I'm ready to give them the best I've got this year!"
"Anytime I get to be around the fans it's always a good time, especially during Music Fest," said Currington. "CMA puts together an event that allows artists to make that personal connection with the fans and it's wonderful. I look at it as our chance to give back to them and let them know we appreciate their support."
All of the artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time. They are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing.
In appreciation of their continued support, CMA donates half the net proceeds from the event to charities designated by the participating artists as part of CMA's "Cause for Celebration!" charitable benefit program. In 2005, 247 artists selected 114 separate charities as beneficiaries of the annual program. To date - on behalf of the artists - CMA has donated more than $800,000, including an additional $200,000 in 2005 to aid hurricane victims.
The donations are appreciated, but this bottom line has always been about the fans and their relationship with the artists and their passion for the music. And this year is no exception with myriad activities and events to offer capped by the nightly, star-packed concerts at The Coliseum with state-of-the-art production, two huge stages for continuous entertainment, the popular CMA Music Festival Photo Line and giant video screens capturing all of the excitement.
In addition to the Nightly Concerts, fans will enjoy four days of non-stop music at the Greased Lightning' Daytime Stages 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 Wrangler' Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall), which features daily autograph sessions, shopping and lifestyle exhibits from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday during the Festival.
"Personal interaction remains a cornerstone of CMA Music Festival and Fan Fair is the epicenter," Genovese said. "Country legends, newcomers and other celebrities meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos. For many of our visitors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to make a personal connection with someone they admire. For others, it is an opportunity to establish an early bond with a new artist on their way to stardom."
