Nashville, TN (Top40 Charts/ CMA Music Festival) The 2011 CMA
Music Festival promises to bring even more excitement and entertainment to downtown Nashville.
Country Music icon Dolly Parton will sign autographs on Saturday at Noon, for a limited number of lucky winners in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall. Parton, who hasn't signed autographs at the event since the mid 1970s, wanted to do something special for fans in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Fan Fair.
With so much to do and see at this four-day festival, it takes seven days to get it all in. And the fun begins tonight!
Worldwide Appeal
CMA Music Festival becomes an international affair with "Chevrolet Presents the CMA Global Artist Party," tonight, beginning at 6:30 PM at The Stage on Broadway. Hosted by Australian husband and wife duo O'Shea, the Global Artist Party will feature performances from a variety of international Country Music artists including Kaylee Bell (New Zealand), Dean Brody (Canada), Chad Brownlee (Canada), Diana Corcoran (Australia), Luke Dickens (Australia), Tommy Emmanuel (Australia), McAlister Kemp (Australia), Raintown (United Kingdom), and Marlee Scott (Canada).
On Tuesday, starting at 12:00 PM at The Second Fiddle, Australian sister trio The McClymonts will host the AristoMedia Global Showcase, sponsored by Aristomedia, CMA, The Second Fiddle, Billboard, and Four Seasons Coach Leasing. Artists participating include High Valley (Canada), Brett Kissel (Canada), Ryan Laird (Canada), Mike & Ashley (New Zealand), Craig Morrison (Australia), Six West (Canada), Springfield (Australia), and Steve & Heather (France). A free lunch will be offered for attendees. Reach for the Summit
On Monday and Tuesday, the Second Annual Billboard Country Music Summit, in association with the Country Music Association, will take place. The two-day event will feature panel discussions, case studies, and keynote interviews, as well as artist showcases and networking opportunities. Programming will focus on the most important issues affecting artists, songwriters, managers, agents, promoters, label executives, music publishers, radio programmers, and all those closely associated with the Country Music business. For information on registration rates for the Second Annual Billboard Country Music Summit, visit countrymusicsummit.com.
Strike Up the Band
On Wednesday, beginning at 11:00 AM, "The Seventh Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade" will feature Country Music artists and other celebrities riding in a wide variety of Chevrolet vehicles. With Bill Anderson and the Oak Ridge Boys as the Grand Marshals, other artists participating include Deborah Allen, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Sherrie Austin, Bo Bice, Bomshel, Ash Bowers, Crystal Bowersox, Lee Brice, Carter Twins, Carter's Chord, Dailey & Vincent, Sarah Darling, Billy Dean, The Dirt Drifters, Eli Young Band, Tyler Farr, Ashley Gearing, Andy Griggs, The Harters, Walker Hayes, Her & Kings County, Ty Herndon, JT Hodges, Steve Holy, Buddy Jewell, Jason Jones, LoCash Cowboys, Lunabelles, Miss Willie Brown, The Roys, Daryle Singletary, Stealing Angels, Josh Thompson, Tiffany, Rhonda Vincent, and Mark Wills.
Other participants include the Big Brother Big Sisters Team Rio float; the Big Machine Rascal Flatts Camaro built by West Coast Customs; world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales; Boy Scouts of Middle Tennessee; the new 2012 Camaro convertible; the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge vehicle; the CMT Marching Band and their mobile mascot; the Davidson County Sheriff Department; the GAC tour bus; the Geico Gecko; the Gildan stilt walker; Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee; more than 250 Harley Davidson motorcycles from the Harley Davidson HOG Rock, Rhythm and Blues Tour; the debut of the Keep the Music Playing All Stars Marching Band; the Metro Nashville Police Department; Music City Drum & Bugle Corps; the Nashville Fire Department and their color guard; the Nashville Predators Dancers and mascot, Gnash; the Nashville Rollergirls; Nashville Sounds mascot Ozzie; Operation Troop Aid; Strength & Honor Camaro; Tennessee Titans mascot, T-RAC; the United States Army Recruiting Guard and Hummer; and the United States Coast Guard.
Beginning at the corner of Tenth Avenue and Broadway, the procession will travel down Broadway and end at Riverfront Park.
Immediately following the parade, "The Sixth Annual CMA Music Festival Chevy Block Party" will take place at its new location this year, the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage, with performers that can only be seen at the Block Party. Hosted by WSM's Beth Brightwell and Rick Marino, the Block Party is free and open to the public. Lee Brice was just added to the lineup and Carter's Chord will sing the national anthem. The lineup includes:
1:00 PM-1:25 PM Josh Thompson
1:40 PM-2:00 PM Lee Brice
2:15 PM-2:35 PM Eli Young Band
2:50 PM-3:15 PM Uncle Kracker
3:30 PM-3:55 PM Randy Houser
Party the Night Away
"Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam" takes place Wednesday (10:00 PM) at the Ryman Auditorium. Benefitting MusiCares and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, this event will feature Doug Kershaw, Dolly Parton, The Quebe Sisters, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, and Mel Tillis.
A separate ticket is required for the Late Night Jam and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, and the Ryman Auditorium Box Office.
The Fun "Officially" Begins
The 2011 CMA Music Festival officially begins Thursday and continues through Sunday with hundreds of artists and celebrities, hours of concerts, autograph signings, family activities, sporting competitions, interactive exhibits, giveaways, games, and much more.
"The CMA Music Festival could only happen in Nashville and we are so proud that we have been able to allow Country Music fans the opportunity to interact with their favorite artists for the past 40 years," said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our friends from around the globe and our Middle Tennessee neighbors."
It's For the Kids
The artists who participate in CMA Music Festival are not compensated for the hours they spend performing and signing autographs. To show its appreciation, CMA contributes half the net proceeds from the event to the "Keep the Music Playing" program which benefits music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools. To date, CMA has contributed more than $4.7 million to this fund.
Every Picture Tells a Story
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary, CMA invited fans to submit their photos from past CMA Music Festivals. Six winners were chosen and their photos appear on this year's four-day tickets. All of the photos that were submitted are included in an on-going photo archive documenting the legendary event. All six winning photographs will also be displayed on CMAfest.com, the official Internet home of CMA Music Festival.
Take Me To the River
Multi-Platinum recording artist Gary Allan will kick off four days of concerts at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage beginning Thursday (10:00 AM). The Chevrolet Riverfront Stage, located at Riverfront Park, is free and open to the public and will feature many of Country Music's legends and hottest rising stars over the course of the Festival. Admittance to the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is free, but four-day ticket holders have an exclusive 45-minute, early-entrance window before the gates open to the general public.
Brantley Gilbert has just been added to the artist lineup which includes Bill Anderson, Frankie Ballard, The Bellamy Brothers, Crystal Bowersox, Jason Michael Carroll, Roy Clark, Terri Clark, Bucky Covington, Billy Ray Cyrus, Brett Eldredge, Emerson Drive, Colt Ford, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Steve Holy, Josh Kelley, Sammy Kershaw, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Neal McCoy, Jo Dee Messina, Randy Montana, Craig Morgan, David Lee Murphy, David Nail, Troy Olsen, James Otto, Jake Owen, Randy Rogers Band, Sawyer Brown, Corey Smith, Steel Magnolia, Sunny Sweeney, Mel Tillis, Phil Vassar, James Wesley, Chuck Wicks, and Darryl Worley.
Artists slated to open each day's festivities by singing the national anthem include Katie Armiger, Brother Trouble, Margaret Durante, and Winfield's Locket.
The concerts are hosted by a variety of celebrities and broadcast personalities including WKDF/Nashville's Becca; Premiere Radio's Big D and Bubba; WSIX/Nashville's Billy & Karla; WSM/Nashville's Bill Cody; the hosts of RFD-TV's "Crook & Chase" show, Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase; Country star Linda Davis; GAC's Nan Kelley; WKRN television personality Neil Orne; and WSIX's Dean Warfield.
A Little Night Music
The Nightly Concerts on the LP Field Concert Stage feature the biggest names in Country Music, emerging stars and surprise guests. Four-day ticket holders can get a front-row shot from the popular Photo Line, which is in constant motion in front of the stage during the performances.
Pre-show activities opening night (7:30 PM) include a Music City welcome from Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, and the presentation of the Stars and Stripes by the Marines of Recruiting Station Nashville. The Isaacs will perform the national anthem. Performers include (performance order, artists and schedule subject to change):
Thursday, June 9
Zac Brown Band with special guests Alan Jackson, Amos Lee, Sonia Leigh, and Randy Travis
Easton Corbin
Sara Evans
Jason Aldean with special guest Kelly Clarkson
Brad Paisley
Friday, June 10
Gary Morris (national anthem)
Ashton Shepherd
Dierks Bentley
Keith Urban
Sugarland
Lady Antebellum
Reba
Saturday, June 11
Dailey & Vincent (national anthem)
Chris Young
Little Big Town
Josh Turner
Trace Adkins
Martina McBride
Rascal Flatts
Sunday, June 12
Edens Edge (national anthem)
the JaneDear girls
The Band Perry
Darius Rucker
Blake Shelton
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
In addition, there will be several acts performing acoustic sets each night. Those artists include Clint Black, The Cleverly's, Eli Young Band, comic Paul Harris, Casey James, Tracy Lawrence, Ricky Skaggs, Thompson Square, Clay Walker, and Jimmy Wayne.
Hosts for the Nightly Concerts include Bill Anderson, CMT's Evan Farmer, Clay Walker, Steve Wariner, GAC's Storme Warren, and a special remote appearance with a star from the Marvel feature film "Captain America."
The Nightly Concerts at LP Field feature state-of-the-art production and fireworks at the conclusion of each show.
More Free Music
The Lay's Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, is always a fan favorite and a great place to check out some of Country's hottest acts. Artists participating in the daily concerts include Katie Armiger; Steve Azar; Bo Bice; Blackberry Smoke; T. Graham Brown; Laura Bell Bundy; Bush Hawg; Carter's Chord; "Classic Country Show" featuring Jeannie Seely with Lynn Anderson, David Frizzell, Moore & Moore, and Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent; Earl Thomas Conley; Dailey & Vincent; Sarah Darling; The Dirt Drifters; Edens Edge; Foster & Lloyd; Bradley Gaskin; Andy Griggs; The Harters; Hunter Hayes; Walker Hayes; Ty Herndon; JT Hodges; Casey James; Jaron and the Long Road to Love; Jason Jones; Christian Kane; Robin Meade; Miss Willie Brown; Kip Moore; Gary Morris, Jamie O'Neal; Daryle Singletary; Joanna Smith; Stealing Angels; and Mark Wills.
Hosts for the Lay's Stage on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza include radio personality Billy Block, WSIX's Slam Duncan, WGSQ's Philip Gibbons, and WKDF's Stew James.
Fan Fair Hall
The lifestyle exhibits and autograph booths in the Nashville Convention Center are a traditional favorite. Entry into the Fan Fair Hall is exclusive to four-day ticket holders. Artists scheduled to sign autographs include legends, today's hitmakers, and tomorrow's hopefuls.
The Country Music Association booth in the Fan Fair Hall will host a variety of Country Music Artists meeting and signing autographs for their fans. Artists scheduled to sign in this booth include Bill Anderson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Bradley Gaskin, Sammy Kershaw, The Lunabelles, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Clay Walker, and Darryl Worley.
Other performers and celebrities scheduled to appear include Adam Craig Band, Trace Adkins, Deborah Allen, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Sherrie Austin, Steve Azar, Mandy Barnett, Sam Bass, Jeff Bates, Bo Bice, Bomshel, Ash Bowers, Crystal Bowersox, Lauren Briant, Brother Trouble, Lacey Brown, T. Graham Brown, Laura Bell Bundy, Burns & Poe, David Adam Byrnes, Jason Michael Carroll, Carter Twins, Tommy Cash, Roy Clark, The Cleverly's, Bill Cody, Easton Corbin, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Troy, Billy Dean, Ira Dean, Little Jimmie Dickens, Paige Duke, Edens Edge, DJ Fontana, Colt Ford, Larry Gatlin, Gloriana, Danny Gokey, Josh Gracin, Jack Greene, Andy Griggs, Mark Herndon, Ty Herndon, Russell Hitch*censored*, Steve Holy, Jan Howard, Con Hunley, Casey James, JB & the Moonshine Band, Buddy Jewell, Joey + Rory, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Josh Kelley, Aaron Kelly, Lady Antebellum, Dickie Lee, CJaye LeRose, LoCash Cowboys, Irlene Mandrell, Martina McBride, Jeremy McComb, Neal McCoy, Richie McDonald, Robin Meade, Ken Mellons, Randy Montana, Montgomery Gentry, John Michael Montgomery, Justin Moore, Lathan Moore, Moore & Moore, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, Heidi Newfield, Joe Nichols, Bobby Osborne, James Otto, Lee Roy Parnell, Jeremy Parsons, Danielle Peck, The Quebe Sisters Band, Rascal Flatts, Marty Raybon, REHAB, Thomas Rhett, Chase Rice, Riders in the Sky, Julie Roberts, Lulu Roman, Sawyer Brown, Kevin Sharp, Blake Shelton, Ashton Shepherd, Dianne Sherrill, Daryle Singletary, Eileen Sisk, Ricky Skaggs, Tony Stampley, June Stearns, Steel Magnolia, Matt Stillwell, Ty Stone, Sunny Sweeney, Thompson Square, Josh Thompson, Tiffany, Trent Tomlinson, Randy Travis, Wynn Varble, Phil Vassar, Rhonda Vincent, Storme Warren, Gene Watson, Jimmy Wayne, Freddie Weller, James Wesley, The Whites, Bryan White, Jett Williams, Leona Williams, Mark Wills, Billy Yates, Hollywood Yates, and Chris Young.
A popular feature of the Fan Fair Hall is the Durango Acoustic Corner. This area, on the second floor of the Nashville Convention Center in Room 209, offers artists an intimate arena in which to showcase their talents. Hosted by 650 AM WSM personalities Bill Cody, Joe Limardi, Charlie Mattos, and Eddie Stubbs, the Durango Acoustic Corner opens daily at 11:00 AM and is free for all Fan Fair Hall guests. The performances that take place at the Acoustic Corner will be broadcast live on WSM-AM.
Artists scheduled to appear at the Durango Acoustic Corner include Lynn Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Black Lillies, Blue Mother Tupelo, BrazilBilly, T. Graham Brown, Burns & Poe, Shawn Camp with 18 South, Carter's Chord, The Cleverlys, Sarah Darling, Billy Dean, Due West, Teea Goans, Amber Hayes, Wade Hayes, Eric Hendrickson, Con Hunley, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Cjaye LeRose, Richie McDonald, Ken Mellons, DJ Miller, Nash Street, Lee Roy Parnell, The Quebe Sisters, Marty Raybon, Chase Rice, Riders in the Sky, Lulu Roman, Dana Romanello, The Roys, Donna Ulisse, Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent, Jesse Keith Whitley, Mark Wills, and Billy Yates.
New this year in the Fan Fair Hall is the Jack Daniel's Lounge. Located in the center of the Exhibit Hall, the Jack Daniel's Lounge is the perfect spot to beat the heat and enjoy refreshing libations. In addition, fans can have an opportunity to participate in Jack Daniel's "Toast to the Troops" campaign. Attendees are encouraged to write a message on a "Toast Card" which will be included in care packages sent to service men and women serving overseas.
Other exhibitors in the Fan Fair Hall include American Songwriter Magazine, Average Joe's Entertainment, Big Machine Label Group, Blaster Records, "Captain America," Carhartt, Chevrolet, CMT, Cupit Records, Dillard's for the Reba Brand, DRIVE4COPD, Durango, Farm Boy and Farm Girl, Farmers Feeding the World, GAC-Great American Country, Grand Ole Opry, Alan Jackson Fan Club, Lamon Records, Music City Merchandise, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Nashville Palace, Dolly Parton, PlayStation, Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, R.O.P.E., RoperT, Roughstock.com, Skaggs Family Records, SPRINT, Tootsie's, Twisted Sisters Apparel & Buckles, UMG Nashville, Votre Vu, Waggin' Train Dog Treats, Warner Music Nashville, Hank Williams International Fan Club, and WSM-AM.
Get In the Zone
With inflatables for the kids, main stage entertainment perfect for all ages, and family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts, balloon animals, caricaturists, face painting and more, the Family Zone, located at the Walk of Fame Park at Fifth Avenue and Demonbreun Street, is the perfect spot for the young and young-at-heart.
White Castle will host a free family picnic on Thursday at 10:30 AM providing mouth-watering goodies to the first 500 people.
Thursday-Sunday (12:30 PM), Random House Children's Books will host celebrity storytelling sessions with Frankie Ballard, Miss Willie Brown, Julie Roberts, and Ty Stone on the Family Zone Main Stage. The first 50 children will receive a free book.
At 1:00 PM on Thursday, kids can get up close and personal with some amazing animals courtesy of the Nashville Zoo's Wildlife on Wheels Education Outreach Program.
Also on Thursday (1:45-2:30 PM) on the Family Zone Main Stage, fans can watch some of Country Music's up-and-coming stars compete in CMA Music Festival Family Feud. Acts scheduled to participate include The Dirt Drifters, Her & Kings County, Jana Kramer, and Ty Stone.
At 2:45 PM on Thursday, fans can learn about the roots of Country Music from Dr. Don Cusic, noted music historian and a professor of Music Business at Nashville's Belmont University, and Country legends Lynn Anderson and Mel Tillis. "Country Music 101" will conclude with a walking tour of some of downtown Nashville's historic spots.
At 3:00 PM on Thursday, attendees can celebrate Fan Fair's 40th birthday with free Gigi's cupcakes for the first 500 fans. In addition, 40 lucky fans will win a birthday gift from CMA. The gifts are valued from $25 to $500
At 4:00 PM on Thursday, fans will have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind guitars from Jerrod Niemann, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, and more, as well as catch performances from Josh Thompson and Steve Wariner. All proceeds from the sale of the guitars will benefit the Opry Trust Fund.
From 5:00 to 6:00 PM on Thursday, Gloriana judges a dance contest for their upcoming music video. Hosted by renowned line dance instructor Junior Willis, fans can learn the dance and possibly win a cameo spot in the video.
On Friday and Saturday (11:30 AM-5:00 PM), the ABC Summer Block Party will take place on the Family Zone Stage. Hosted by Rossi Morreale, the ABC Summer Block Party will feature daily activities and games focusing on ABC's programs, giveaways, autograph signings, and Q&A sessions.
On Sunday, from 11:00 AM until 3:30 PM, the 28th Annual YWCA Celebrity Auction with Martina McBride will take place on the Family Zone Stage. Hosted by McBride, Billy Greenwood, and Storme Warren, this popular event will feature items donated by Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, Kix Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Eli Young Band, Sara Evans, Josh Gracin, the Grand Ole Opry, Pat Green, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Willie Nelson, Joe Nichols, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Reba, LeAnn Rimes, SHeDAISY, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Phil Vassar, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley, Chris Young, and Zac Brown Band.
The "Dog Days of Summer" will take on a whole new meaning as the Ultimate Air Dogs hit the Family Zone. Dog owners can bring their own high-flying canines down for qualifying rounds Thursday-Saturday at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM, and Sunday at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The Ultimate Air Dog finals will be held on Sunday at 4:00 PM.
Other things to see and do in the Family Zone include games and giveaways in the American Airlines booth; Children's fingerprinting by the Davidson County Sheriff's Department; home and garden activities, sampling and giveaways from iVillage; cookie decorating with the Girl Scouts; free books that are perfect for Summer reading from Harlequin Books; samples and adoptable pets in the Pedigree tent; Sierra Mist samples from Pepsico; meet costumed characters from Random House Children's Books; visit with everyone's favorite blue friends, the Smurfs; and meet costumed characters from the Tennessee Aquarium.
The Gildan Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First Avenue South and Third Avenue South, is three blocks of fun. The Gildan Lounge will be the place to be for T-shirt giveaways, games, and karaoke. In addition, several artists will be signing autographs in the Gildan Lounge including Lacey Brown, Ty Brown, Ashley Gearing, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Lucy Angel, Payton Rae, Julie Roberts, The Roys, Crystal Shawanda, Tiffany, and Karli Whetstone.
Other things to see and do in the Gildan Fun Zone include fun giveaways from BC Headache Powder; free ice cream from Blue Bell Creameries; appearances by Bush Hawg, Jason Michael Carroll, Chris Cavanaugh, The Dirt Drifters, Edens Edge, Bradley Gaskin, The Harters, The Lunabelles, Matt Mason, Justin Moore, Kip Moore, David Nail, Troy Olsen, James Otto, Ashton Shepherd, Josh Thompson, Phil Vassar, James Wesley, and Jason Wyatt at the Carl Black Chevrolet tent; games and COPD screenings at the DRIVE4COPD tents; games, giveaways, and autograph signings with "Baggage" host and television personality Jerry Springer in the GSN Game Show Network booth; meet the Geico Gecko; check out books from Harlequin; sampling, games, and grab bags in the U BY OTEX Brand tent; a chance to wade in a cranberry bog at the Ocean Spray booth; autograph signings with NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger and champion bull rider Tyler Thomson in the Super 8 booth; check out a Hummer with the United States Marines; and games in the Wrangler tent.
The Sports Zone, located in the Schermerhorn Symphony Center parking lot, has all of the activities you've come to expect and more!
New to the Sports Zone in 2011 is the Bud Light Stage, with performances and celebrity appearances.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday (12:30-1:00 PM) on the Bud Light Stage, the CMA
Celebrity Close Up makes its return to the Music Festival. Hosted by radio personality Blair Garner, the CMA Celebrity Close Up features intimate interviews with some of Nashville's best. Sunny Sweeney will guest on Thursday, Ashton Shepherd will be Friday's guest, and Chuck Wicks will be featured on Saturday.
Also Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 1:30-3:15 PM, on the Bud Light Stage, the popular CMA Songwriters Series will take place. This is an opportunity for fans to hear the stories behind some of their favorite songs with some of Nashville's best tunesmiths. Presented by ASCAP on Thursday, fans will get to hear from Brent Anderson, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Brad Crisler, and Blaine Larsen. BMI will present Jason Matthews, Tim Nichols, and Jimmy Yeary on Friday; with SESAC hosting Tim Johnson, Blaine Larsen, Annie Tate, and Kim Tribble on Saturday.
Other artists scheduled to perform on the Bud Light Stage include Brother Trouble, Burns & Poe, The Cleverly's, Anita Cochran, Mark Cooke, Curtis and Luckey, Due West, Margaret Durante, Tyler Farr, Ashley Gearing, HER & Kings County, Josh Hoge, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Kristen Kelly, Sean Patrick McGraw, Frank Ortega, The Roys, Ray Scott, Matt Stillwell, Ty Stone, Bridgette Tatum, Tiffany, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, and Winfield's Locket.
The Bud Light stage will be hosted by Shane Tallant all day on Thursday and Friday, and from 1:00-5:00 PM on Saturday. WZTV's "Tennessee Mornings co-anchor Kelly Sutton will host on Sunday.
Visitors to the Sports Zone can also check out the Bud Light Lounge, a great place to relax, drink a cold Bud Light, and soak up the Sports Zone atmosphere.
Also located in the Sports Zone, the Chevrolet Stage is the place to be to catch intimate performances from up-and-coming artists as well as cooking and hunting demonstrations. Scheduled to appear are Paul Bogart; the Bone Collectors; Cracker Boy; Russell Dickerson; Austin Dillon; FLW stars Jimmy Houston and Larry Nixon; Jolie Holliday & Sonny Burgess; Sonia Leigh; Daniel Lee Martin; Payton Rae; a hunting and fishing clinic with Bob Redfern; Julie Roberts; and Skyler.
In addition to the Chevrolet Stage, visitors to the Sports Zone can also check out some hot Chevrolet vehicles on display in the Sports Zone, as well as test drive some new wheels with the Chevrolet Ride And Drive. Located on Fourth Avenue between Broadway and Demonbreun Street, the Chevrolet Ride And Drive will take place Thursday through Sunday (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Attendees will be able to test drive a brand new Chevrolet vehicle of their choice including the Camaro and Camaro convertible, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, Silverado 1500 and HD, Tahoe, Traverse, and Volt.
Other things to do and see in the Sports Zone include product displays and giveaways from Dyson; visit the Jack Daniel's experience and order a *censored*tail; a NASCAR display by Mobil 1; an air-conditioned lounge as well as games and giveaways from Sony Music Unlimited; appearances by the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders; and delicious treats from White Castle.
New in 2011 is the Power Zone. Located at Second Avenue and Church Street, the Power Zone will rev up the excitement at this year's Festival with custom cars on display as well as many of the automotive aftermarket's top brands.
On Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (11:00 AM), fans can display their do-it-yourself knowledge by participating in the Tool Challenge with celebrities including Brother Trouble, Greg Hanna, The Roys, and Jason Sturgeon.
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (1:00 PM), artists will compete against each other in the Traxxas Radio Controlled Car Race. Celebrities taking their shot in the driver's seat include John Carter, Matt Gary, Jacob Lyda, Sean Patrick McGraw, One Night Rodeo, Steve Richard, and Jason Sturgeon.
On Thursday and Saturday (4:00 PM), artists will compete against each other in the Car Trivia Challenge. Artists participating include Brother Trouble, Mark Cooke, Matt Kennon, and Jacob Lyda.
Other artists and celebrities scheduled to appear include "Gearz" host Stacey David, DC & Julia, Flat River Band, Lee Gibson, Johanna Jacobsen, Josh Mullins, Nick Carver Band, Runaway Home, Matt Scullion, and "TRUCKS!" host Kevin Tetz.
Other things to do and see in the Power Zone include the an opportunity for a photo with the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, as well as a NASCAR display and simulator from Budweiser; the General Lee on display with "The Dukes of Hazzard's" Ben "Cooter" Jones; Nerf football giveaways from A.R.E. Truck Caps; the Bigfoot Truck brought to you by Firestone, as well as an opportunity to win a ride in Bigfoot courtesy of E3 Spark Plugs; a 1957 Chevy Wagon, dubbed the "Zandy," in the Hot Rod Magazine booth; three-time NHRA champion Dan Fletcher signing autographs and a drag racing practice tree in the by K&N Air Filters booth; a chance to win a trip to the CMA Awards courtesy of SEMA Action Network; product displays by Skyjacker Suspensions; and tuning products from SuperChips/Edge.
Field & Stream will be taking over the area outside of Fort Nashboro for the third consecutive year with activities to interest the outdoorsman.
On Friday (12:00-3:00 PM), the Field & Stream Celebrity Total Outdoorsmen Challenge will pit artists and celebrities against each other, testing their skills in fly casting, archery, and air rifle shooting. Participants include Ash Bowers, Rhean Boyer, Ty Brown, Tyler Farr, Lucas Hoge, Julie Ingram, Tom Jackson, Sean Patrick McGraw, Craig Morgan, Chris Reed, The Roys, Trent Willmon, Mark Wills, and Darryl Worley.
Also on Friday (3:00-5:00 PM), Outdoor Life Magazine and Primos Game Calls will host the Outdoor Life Save-A-Stream Charity Pro-AM. This exciting game-calling/outdoor skill contest will pit various artists against each other, all to bring attention to Outdoor Life's conservation program, "Project Save-A-Stream." Artists participating include Tyler Farr, Matt Kennon, and Craig Morgan.
On Saturday (10:00 AM-3:00 PM), the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge Regional Qualifier will take place. Fifty pre-qualified sportsmen and sportswomen will compete to move on to the National Championship.
The El Jimador Lounge, also located at Fort Nashboro, will be the perfect spot to enjoy a margarita as well have an amazing view of the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage.
Play Ball
On Saturday, beginning at 9:00 AM, the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge will take place at Greer Stadium (534 Chestnut Street). A separate ticket is required and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Artists and celebrities scheduled to participate include Lauren Alaina, Dierks Bentley, Kerry Collins, Brett Eldredge, Vince Gill, Josh Gracin, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, LoCash Cowboys, Robin Meade, Scotty McCreery, David Nail, Joe Nichols, Jake Owen, Point of Grace, Two Foot Fred, James Wesley, and Chuck Wicks. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.
Teed Off
On Saturday (12:00-3:00 PM) at Centennial Park, Gildan will attempt to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records by rolling out the world's largest T-shirt. Former "American Idol" finalist and 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist Danny Gokey will be on hand for this historic event. Shuttles will be provided between downtown Nashville and Centennial Park for CMA Music Festival attendees. You can catch the shuttle at the Bridegstone Arena Plaza (corner of Broadway and Fifth Avenue).
Social Networking
The Fifth Annual CMA Music Festival Fan Social Presented by CMT is a treasure hunter's dream with prizes hidden throughout the CMA Music Festival downtown footprint. To access the clues, fans must like the CMA or CMT Facebook pages or follow them on Twitter. The clues will lead to vouchers redeemable for special prizes and guaranteed entry to the event, which is free and open to the public. The Fan Social will be held Saturday, June 11 (3:00-6:00 PM) at The Wildhorse with performances by Civil Wars, Kristen Chenowith, The Harters, Little Big Town,
Joe Nichols, Thompson Square, and the winner of "CMT's Next Superstar". Don't miss a beat. Fans should sign up early and follow the clues for a chance to see this impressive lineup hosted by Evan Farmer of CMT's Top 20 Countdown.
Getting Around
New at this year's Festival is the "Catch a Chevy" program. Festival attendees can flag down one of the specially wrapped 2011 Chevy Cruzes for a free lift around the Festival footprint.
In addition to catching a Chevy, there is access to free shuttles at major CMA Music Festival event sites for all four-day ticket holders. Downtown shuttles run daily on a continuous loop. Handicapped-accessible shuttle buses are available with attendants to offer assistance.
A limited number of on-site, pay parking spots ($10 per vehicle) will be available each night at LP Field in Lots E and F, just across the Woodland Street Bridge. This parking lot is not available for pre-purchase, It is available for purchase on-site, on a first-come, first-served basis Thursday and Friday (after 5:00 PM); and all day Saturday and Sunday. Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are also available in downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to LP Field via the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.
Shopping
CMA Music Festival attendees can take home a little piece of the event with merchandise purchased at this year's Festival.
The official CMA Music Festival product line will be available onsite through Music City Merchandise. Booths will be set up at the Fan Fair Hall, Chevrolet Riverfront Park, Family Zone, Sports Zone, LP Field, and the Bridgestone Arena. Merchandise is subject to availability. CMA Music Festival stores and store locations are subject to change without notice. For complete merchandise information, or to order online, visit www.CMAfest.com.
2011 Ticket Packages Still Available
Four-day tickets to CMA Music Festival, which include all four Nightly Concerts at LP Field and daily access to the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall, can be purchased through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or 1-(800) 745-3000. They can also purchase them through CMAfest.com or 1-(800)-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Ticket prices are based on the level of seating at LP Field for the Nightly Concerts.
Single night tickets to the individual Nightly Concerts can be purchased for $35 (plus applicable handling fees) for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field through the same websites and phone numbers.
2012 CMA Music Festival Tickets
The 2012 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in downtown Nashville. Tickets for 2012 CMA Music Festival will go on sale nationwide on Saturday, June 11, at 10:00 AM/CT.
To order tickets, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). To purchase tickets online, visit www.CMAfest.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena or LP Field box offices. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free.
2012 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL- FOUR DAY TICKET PACKAGE PRICES
SEATING LEVEL
Gold Circle (sections A-E) $325
Floor $225
Lower Level Premium $225
Lower Level $180
Club Level Premium $180
Club Level $160
Upper Level Reserved $125
Upper Level General Admission $115
Information
For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit CMAfest.com, the official Internet home of CMA Music Festival. On CMAfest.com fans can buy tickets, sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news, watch helpful videos to make their CMA Music Festival experience better than ever, follow CMA Facebook and Twitter feeds for more insider info, and of course see the entire lineup of Country Music tars participating in the event.
