NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Country
Music Association) - The 2007 CMA
Music Festival will continue the tradition of unique interactions between fans and their favorite celebrities with the Chevy Sports Zone, featuring a variety of friendly competitions between Country
Music artists, celebrities, and professional athletes.
CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday-Sunday, June 7-10 in Downtown Nashville. The popular Chevy Sports Zone will reside in the parking lot between Third and Fourth Avenues (next to the Schermerhorn Symphony Hall and across the street from the Crisco Family Zone), although a few select activities will take place in other locations (listed below). The Chevy Sports Zone is open Thursday through Saturday, June 7-9 (11:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT,) and on Sunday, June 10 (11:00 AM-3:00 PM/CT). The Chevy Sports Zone is free and open to the public.
"CMA Music Festival is dedicated to the fans and we love creating events and activities where they can interact with their favorite Country stars in extraordinary ways," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "The Chevy Sports Zone offers that with competitions that spotlight the artists and athletes in a different arena in contests that challenge their abilities and often bring out their competitive nature as well as their sense of humor. It is a lot of fun for everyone involved."
On Thursday, June 7 (4:30 PM/CT), "The Sixth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament," sponsored by Yamaha Motor Corp, USA, and The Sportsman Channel, will be held in Lot R on the grounds of LP Field. In addition to Griggs, shooting stars include:
Jeremy Baxter, of Carolina Rain
Rhean Boyer, of Carolina Rain
Preston Brust, of LoCash Cowboys
Tracy Byrd, artist
Ty England, artist
Marvin Evatt, of Carolina Rain
Daniel Lee Martin, artist
Craig Morgan, artist
Blake Shelton, artist
Rusty Tabor, host The Outdoor Channel
Neil Thrasher, artist/songwriter
Jesse and Ginger Morehead will emcee the event. Jesse and Ginger are highly-acclaimed professional archers with Jesse having won 12 world titles and Ginger winning 10.
Also hitting the bull's-eye is a New Motion Target System sponsored by The Bohning Company, Cutter, Hunter Safety System, Mossy Oak Apparel, and Mathews. And remember to smile for the cameras: the Men's Outdoor and Recreation Network and The Sportsman Channel will be covering all the action. Additionally, there will be NASCAR driver autograph signings by Brent Sherman (No. 36 Big Lots! Chevrolet) and Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet).
On Friday, June 8 (1:00-3:00 PM/CT), "The Steve Azar and Friends Celebrity Sports Challenge," presented by On The Run at Exxon and emceed by Joe Dubin of WKRN-TV Nashville, will be held in the Chevy Sports Zone. The Sports Challenge, which is completely booked by Azar, is a fan favorite with an astounding array of sports champions and celebrities competing alongside artists in friendly team competitions of basketball, football, golf, soccer, and more. Participants include:
- Terry Ahola, U.S. Olympic Ski Team member
- Dave Archer, former NFL quarterback (Atlanta Falcons/Miami Dolphins)
- Aaron Benward, of Blue County
- Deana Carter, artist
- Jeanne Cho-Hunicke, LPGA Tour player
- Steve Cole, former NFL linebacker (Cleveland Browns/Philadelphia Eagles)
- Craig Hentrich, NFL punter (Tennessee Titans) and two-time Pro-Bowler Angela Jerman, LPGA Tour player
- Jim Kelly, former NFL quarterback (Buffalo Bills) and NFL Hall of Fame member
- John-Paul Lavoisier, "Rex Balsom" on ABC Daytime's "One Life to Live"
- Ray Lloyd, American pro wrestler and one-time NWA Tag Team Champion
- Scott Reeves, of Blue County
- Julie Roberts, artist
- Jay Teter, artist
- Gino Torretta, Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback (Seattle Seahawks)
- Gary Valentine, "Danny Heffernan" on the CBS' Series "The King of Queens"
- Mark Wills, artist
Back by popular demand on Saturday, June 9 (show times 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM/CT) are John Misita and his amazing K9's in Flight - the premiere Frisbee Dog entertainers in the world. With more than 15 years of professional experience, they have dazzled audiences in more than 200 cities and have been seen on The Discovery Channel, ESPN, The Disney Channel, Animal Planet, HBO, and more. The amazing K9's in Flight team has also toured with Animal Planet, The NFL Experience, and Ringling Brothers "Greatest Show on Earth."
Sunday, June 10 (1:00-3:00 PM/CT), spotlights "The Michael Peterson/New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race." During the event, Country Music artists and celebrities will race against the clock through an obstacle course on a New Holland compact tractor. In addition to Peterson, participants include:
- Deborah Allen, artist
- Ken Amato, Tennessee Titan
- Brian Bandas, of Love & Theft
- Rachel Baribeau, "In The Zone" sports talk show host
- Rob Bironas, Tennessee Titans
- Billy Block, host of "Billy Block's Western Beat" radio show
- Woody Bradshaw, artist
- Lane Brody, artist
- Lee Brice, artist
- Brad Cotter, "Nashville Star" winner season two
- Stacey David, host Spike TV
- Billy Dean, artist
- Todd Fritsch, artist
- Eric Gunderson, of Love & Theft
- Ben Hartsock, Tennessee Titan
- Ty Herndon, artist
- Joe Jobe, CEO of National Biodiesel Board
- Cledus T. Judd, artist/contestant VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club"
- Kelly Keagy, member Night Ranger rock band
- Josh Leo, songwriter
- Stephen Barker Lilies, of Love & Theft
- Daniel Loper, Tennessee Titan
- Rockie Lynne, artist
- Memarie, artist
- Armond Morales, founding member of "The Imperials"
- Cactus Moser, former member Highway 101
- Robert K. Oermann, music journalist
- Jimmy Olander, member of Diamond Rio
- Robert Ellis Orrall, artist
- Billy Pierson, artist
- Bobby Pinson, artist/songwriter
- Colt Prather, artist
- Michael Roos, Tennessee Titan
- DJ Skelton, active duty Captain U.S. Army
- Arlos Smith, two time SESAC Songwriter of the Year
- Storme Warren, GAC Great American Country host
- Deniece Williams, pop star
- D. Vincent Williams, songwriter
- Billy Yates, artist
"When approached by CMA about a tractor race featuring celebrity drivers, the concept was not only greeted with great enthusiasm, but the CMA staff worked closely with us to assure that the program would be a success," said Peterson, celebrity spokesperson for New Holland. "The teamwork we shared with the CMA, along with the true professional friendship we developed together, was the backbone of our success and the reason we are back again in 2007. When you work with great people, great ideas happen, and we're proud to now be a successful part of this tremendous music festival."
A New Holland Boomer compact tractor that was signed by last year's participating celebrities will be available through an online auction until midnight on Saturday, June 9. Half of the winning bid will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the other half will go to Habitat for Humanity on behalf of 2006 Tractor Race champ, Wade Hayes. The online winner will be announced at the race on Sunday, June 10. This year's autographed tractor will be offered on the virtual auction block, too; once again the winning driver picks his or her favorite charity for half of New Holland's donation, with the rest going to the National Future Farmers of America.
The Chevy Sports Zone will host many other activities and displays sponsored by Chevrolet throughout the four days of CMA Music Festival. Chevy is one of the most dominate forces in the racing circuit. From NASCAR to the American Le Mans, road racing to off-road truck competition, Chevy has raced almost everywhere and won. The Chevy Racing Tour celebrates this fact and lets you get an up-close look at a few of the vehicles that have helped inspire the next big, revolutionary ideas from Chevrolet. Check out the following vehicles at the Chevy display: No. 8 Monte Carlo Cup Car, No. 48 Monte Carlo Cup Car, ALMS Corvette C6.R, Race Modified Cobalt Drag Car, the SEMA "427" Silverado and Orange County Choppers Silverado, plus Static Race Car engines, and a special visit from one of NASCAR's most beloved cars, the No. 3 car. Chevy will also provide you an opportunity to take a picture with this storied NASCAR vehicle.
While in the Chevy Sports Zone, you can take a ride on the Chevy FLW Ranger Boat Simulator. You can also answer the call to recycle with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, with information about how to recycle used portable rechargeable batteries and old cell phones to help preserve our own natural resources.
If you need a bite to eat, grab a snack from Back Yard Burger. Additional exhibitors include, Bluegreen Corp, Coyote Ugly Saloon, Dasani Plus, Full Throttle, Holiday Inn, Mossy Oak Apparel, Nashville Sounds, On the Run at Exxon, Vanderbilt EMT Services and Yamaha Motor Corp., USA.
To order tickets for the 2007 CMA Music Festival call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit https://www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit https://www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600.
Tickets to the individual Nightly Concerts are on sale for $40 for reserved seats and $30 for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field (plus applicable handling fees) by visiting https://www.ticketmaster.com to buy online; or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600 or 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). The Nightly Concerts are also included in the Festival's four-day ticket packages, which can be purchased through the same means.
For up-to-the-minute information about travel information, schedules, artists appearing and more, visit https://www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e- news or purchase official CMA Music Festival merchandise.
Chevrolet has extended its long-time partnership with the Country Music Association for an additional three years, making Chevy the Official Ride of Country Music through at least 2009. Chevrolet, a division of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), is one of America's best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.
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 Official Music & Book retailer of the CMA Music Festival. Additional promotional partners include Allstate Insurance Company, American Airlines, AT&T-Tennessee, Back Yard Burger, BMI, Carl Black Chevrolet, CiCi's Pizza, CMT, Coca-Cola, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Country Weekly, Coyote Ugly Saloon, Crisco, Davidson County Sheriff's Department, Digital Rodeo, Dr Pepper, GAC Great American Country, GEICO, Gibson Guitar, Gillette Venus Breeze, Grand Ole Opry, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, Hewlett-Packard, Loveless Cafe, Mossy Oak Apparel, Music Festivals, Nashville Fire Department, New Holland Agriculture Equipment S.p.A., Office Depot, On the Run at Exxon, Prilosec OTC, Purity Dairies, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Second Harvest Food Bank, Shane Co., Sharpie, The Sportsman Channel, Super 8, Tennessee Education Lottery Corp., T.G.I Friday's, Whirlpool, Wrangler, Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, and Yankee Candle. EMT services are provided by Vanderbilt Sports Medicine and Vanderbilt Life Flight. Smucker's, JIF, Crisco, Hungry Jack, Martha White and White Lily are registered trademarks of The J.M. Smucker Company. Fan Fair is a registered trademark of CMA.
For information, logos and downloadable photos, visit our media-only website, https://www.CMApress.com.
