CMA Announces 'Nashville Celebrates Country' A Week Of Activities Leading Up To The 2006 CMA Awards

NASHVILLE, TN (CMA) - To involve the City of Nashville in the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the CMA Awards, CMA has assembled a week of activities and events leading up to the Awards dubbed "Nashville Celebrates Country."

"In all my years at CMA, I have never been more excited as we approach the Awards with a new venue at the Gaylord Entertainment Center, a new network home on ABC, and a new infusion of creative energy and enthusiasm from the City of Nashville," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "After our successful one-time excursion to New York City in 2005, the CMA Awards will be celebrating a major milestone as well as an eagerly awaited homecoming. And we want everyone to help us celebrate."

"Nashville Celebrates Country" will highlight private and public events and promotional initiatives throughout Downtown Nashville with live music, art, fashion, celebrity appearances, charity benefits, and more. The activities are designed to generate even more excitement and attention for the CMA Awards, which will be held Monday, Nov. 6 (7:00-10:00 PM/CT) at the Gaylord Entertainment Center and broadcast live on the ABC Television Network.

"Country Music is no stranger to Nashville, but we are going to endeavor to make sure that everyone knows that 'Country Music's Biggest Night' is back home in Nashville for the 40th Anniversary," Genovese said.

Leading up to the week of activities, the public will have the opportunity to view the official artwork of the 2006 CMA Awards and meet the creator, renowned 3-D pop artist Charles Fazzino. As part of the Frist Fridays concert series, Fazzino will be on hand at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts Friday, Oct. 27 (6:00-9:00 PM/CT) to autograph complimentary art cards and personalize his artwork. The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is located at 919 Broadway. Frist Fridays is free to Frist Center members and $8.50 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased at the door.
For more information: www.CMAawards.com