NASHVILLE, TN (Charlie Daniels Official Website) - Unique musical experiences and legendary performances are just two of the many highlights of CMA
Music Festival, and the 2006 event will be no exception as artists continue to be added to the lineup.
The Festival celebrates its 35th year in 2006 on Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11, in Downtown Nashville, Tenn with four jam-packed days featuring 70 hours of live music; 30 hours of autograph signings; family activities; and much more. In 2005, more than 145,000 fans from all 50 states and 20 nations experienced the ultimate destination for America's music.
Ronnie Milsap will team with Los Lonely Boys for a rare joint performance. Other artists added to the star-packed lineup for the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum include Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Pat Green, Little Big Town, Joe Nichols, Josh Turner and Trisha Yearwood.
Previously announced artists performing at The Coliseum include Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Terri Clark, Billy Currington, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood, with more to be named in the coming weeks.
"Unique musical collaborations, such as uniting Ronnie Milsap with Los Lonely Boys, and special surprise guests that are always popping up are what CMA Music Festival is all about," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "Our fans have come to expect the unexpected from us. It is why they come back year after year. CMA Music Festival always has something fresh to offer."
The great musical performances are not limited to the night, however. The legendary Charlie Daniels will kick-off the 2006 CMA Music Festival with a dynamic performance on the Greased Lightning® Riverfront Stage on Thursday, June 8 at 10:00 AM.
"Each year we try to kick off CMA Music Festival with an artist who epitomizes the wonderful relationship between our fans and the artists," said Genovese. "Charlie is an obvious choice. He embodies musical creativity, artistic and personal integrity - and the fans and our industry love him for it. And there is no artist who loves the fans more than Charlie Daniels."
Additional artists added to the Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning Riverfront Stages include Rhett Akins, Jessi Alexander, Keith Anderson, Rodney Atkins, BlackHawk, Blue County, Bomshel, Catherine Britt, Shannon Brown, T. Graham Brown, Tracy Byrd, Carolina Rain, Eric Church, John Corbett, Cowboy Crush, Joey Daniels, Jerry Douglas, Erika Jo, Jimmy Fortune, Todd Fritsch, The Grascals, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Jamey Johnson, Blaine Larsen, Little Texas, The Lost Trailers, Rockie Lynne, Bobby Marquez, Ashley Monroe, Megan Mullins, David Lee Murphy, Gary Nichols, Jake Owen, Shane Owens, Povertyneck Hillbillies, Jon Randall, Restless Heart, Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Trent Tomlinson, Trick Pony, Tanya Tucker, Lane Turner, Jimmy Wayne and Bryan White, with more to be announced soon.
Performers already announced for the Daily Concerts include Jessica Andrews, Steve Azar, The Bellamy Brothers, Lane Brody, Sonny Burgess, Emerson Drive, Jace Everett, The Fox Brothers, Susan Haynes, Hot Apple Pie, Con Hunley, Buddy Jewell, 2006 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner Nick Kingswell, Brice Long, 2006 CMA Global Artist Award winner Jason McCoy, Oak Ridge Boys, Danielle Peck, Ray Scott, Keni Thomas, Trent Willmon, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley and Michelle Wright.
CMA Music Festival also includes celebrity autograph signings in the Wrangler® Fan Fair; intimate performances in the Acoustic Corner; celebrity competitions (including the Fifth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament) in the Sports Zone; activities and demonstrations for kids of all ages in the Family Zone, Fun Zone and Crisco® Country Favorites Corner; special events in the clubs and venues of Downtown Nashville during CMA Music Festival After HoursT; in-depth, moderated panel discussions with artists at the CMA Celebrity Close Up sessions hosted by GAC television personality Lorianne Crook; and more.
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 charity on behalf of the participating artists. 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.
To order tickets for the 2006 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.
Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of reserved seating at The Coliseum. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum; Daily Concerts the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Wrangler Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; Family Zone; Crisco Country Favorites Corner; Fun Zone; Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops and more. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices and artists are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.