NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CMA press release) -
Hank Williams Jr. brought the 2004 CMA
Music Festival/Fan Fair to a rocking finish Sunday night at The Coliseum with a stomping version of "Family Tradition" featuring a few of his rowdy friends including Pat Green, Poison's Bret Michaels, Montgomery Gentry, Michelle Poe and Darryl Worley.
"People were on their feet singing at the top of their lungs and dancing in the aisles," said CMA Executive
Director Ed Benson. "They weren't making a move for the door until the final guitar lick was over. It was one highlight of a four-day festival filled with many high points and a terrific way to cap the event."
Attendance at the festival took a healthy jump in 2004 going up from 124,000 in 2003 to a record setting 132,000 fans, which included four-day ticket holders, single concert sales at The Coliseum and Riverfront Park, police crowd estimates from the free areas including Bush's Baked Beans Family Zone, the CMA Music Festival Midway and Sports Zone along with attendance at several ancillary Festival events.
"It is very rewarding to see an increase like this," said Benson. "With walk-up ticket sales at an all-time high, I have to believe that Nashville and the surrounding community is finally starting to embrace this event as their own."
Here are some of the highlights from the four days of "Country Music's Biggest Party."
Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum
More than 40 acts participated in the star-studded Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum over the four days with nearly 20 hours of shows on the dual stages. Pre-show ceremonies Thursday, June 10 included Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap, Ronnie Milsap, a cappella sensation Naturally 7 and an awe inspiring flyover by the Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 (VMFA (AW)-332) - "The Moonlighters" of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
The first day of the CMA Music Festival was also sadly coincided with the death of music legend Ray Charles, who left a mark on Country Music as part of his broad legacy. Charles was 73.
Ronnie Milsap shouted, "God bless Ray Charles, and God bless America" from the stage of The Coliseum. Vince Gill dedicated his song "When I Call Your Name" to Charles. "We're going to sing a slow song," Gill said. "Ray could sing a slow song better than any man that ever lived."
Kid Rock protege Uncle Kracker got some help with his burgeoning Country Music career when Rachel Proctor joined him on stage for "Drift Away" Thursday night. Uncle Kracker has already topped the Country Music charts with "When the Sun Goes Down," along with duet partner Kenny Chesney.
There were two unique firsts that occurred Friday, June 11. For the first time since the Festival moved to Downtown Nashville four years ago, all available tickets to a Nightly Concert at The Coliseum were sold out.
Also, the headlining performance by Brooks & Dunn marked the first time a President of the Country Music Association Board of Directors performed at the Festival. Kix Brooks was elected President of the CMA Board in November 2003.
Speaking with reporters Saturday, June 12, Brad Paisley talked about the uniqueness of the event and why you don't find an event similar to CMA Music Festival in other formats of music.
Paisley explained that rock and heavy metal musicians are supposed to be larger than life. He said that isn't the case for Country Music stars. "Country Music is different," Paisley said. "More than anything else, the Festival keeps the fans and the stars on the same level, the way it should be."
Armed with an acoustic guitar so he could pick and sing at a moment's notice, the legendary Glen Campbell spoke with reporters backstage Sunday, June 13, at The Coliseum about the genius of Hank Williams Sr. and the possibility of recording with Keith Urban, whose amazing Sunday night set proved why many consider him the format's latest "superstar."
Campbell said he had heard that Urban would like to work with him, and indicated that he was willing. "I was flattered," Campbell said. "He's a good player. He's not a bad singer, either. He's good all around."
Campbell sang a bit of "Lovesick Blues" by Williams, and said, "When I do the Hank stuff in my show, they just scream and holler and throw babies in the air," he said. During his set later that night, Campbell performed a string of his own best-known hits including "Galveston," "Southern Nights" and "Rhinestone Cowboy," which he performed with special guest Bryan White.
Other vocal collaborations Sunday night included Poison's Bret Michaels singing "Chicks Dig It" and his own "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" with Chris Cagle (Michaels had flown in after a concert with Poison opening for Kiss); and Country Music Hall of Fame member Willie Nelson singing "Threadbare Gypsy Soul" with Pat Green.
Daily Concerts at Greased Lightning Riverfront Park Stages
Jo Dee Messina got the 2004 CMA Music Festival off to a rousing start with a cover of Kansas' classic "Carry On My Wayward Son," then previewed several songs from her upcoming Curb Records album, "Delicious Surprise."
Throughout the four days, the dual stages bustled with a rich array of more than 80 acts from both major and independent record labels performing nearly 30 hours of concerts - despite occasional rain delays. Returning sponsor Greased Lightning considered it a huge success. Company officials from Greased Lightning and the works said they distributed 20,000 samples of the household-cleaning product.
"Redneck Woman" Gretchen Wilson performed between two heavy rainstorms Saturday at the Greased Lightning Riverfront Park Stages. "Anybody who can wait THAT rain out is a redneck in my book," Wilson said to the rain-soaked crowd. She was called back for two encores. The venue has become the place to enjoy the broadest spectrum of music available with enthusiastic crowds and increased attendance over the four days.
Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely opened the last day of shows with a spirited take on the Kitty Wells' classic "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels."
Wrangler Fan Fair
The state of continuous commotion that's been the standard for the Wrangler Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) for years was back in force as the 2004 CMA Music Festival got underway.
A total of 346 artists appeared in the air-conditioned Wrangler Fan Fair at the Nashville Convention Center for the autograph and photo sessions. The number of exhibitors increased to 130 in 2004. And attendance over the four days was 37,000. In fact, some people camped overnight on the sidewalk outside the Convention Center to be the first in line.
Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio, Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes, Trick Pony, Josh Turner, Phil Vassar, Jimmy Wayne, Gretchen Wilson and the stars of NBC Daytime all had long lines - as did many others. Buddy Jewell signed autographs three out of four days. Officials estimate that in that time, he signed his name more than 900 times.
The new Acoustic Corner had 28 performers over the four days. The area on the second floor of the Convention Center was well received by the fans walking to and from the autograph sessions.
The sound of Melonie Cannon's voice backed by a six-piece acoustic band drew an overflow audience as she ran through songs from her upcoming debut album on Skaggs Family Records.
When she sang "Whiskey Lullaby," you could have heard a pin drop in the normally raucous convention hall. "I'm just going to keep singing as long as you keep listening," she said. "I could do this all day - I swear."
Kix Brooks showed up unannounced twice at the Brooks & Dunn booth, and was quickly engulfed by fans holding white cowboy hats over their heads, wanting a signature.
Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry decided to take a look at life on the other side of the booth. The sneaky singer donned a wig and beard and roamed the Wrangler Fan Fair chatting up other Country stars in his fake identity of a wannabe Country Music star "Josey Wales" (inspired by a Clint Eastwood movie). Montgomery got loud and proud, greeting stars including Marty Stuart, Trick Pony and Bill Anderson.
Montgomery was so successful that a television crew interviewed him in his "Josey Wales" guise. He didn't fool everyone. Buddy Jewell and Ira Dean of Trick Pony saw through the disguise. "I'm always on one side, and I wanted to be on the other side for just a little bit," Montgomery said after the end of his adventure. The artists weren't having all the fun, however. Tim Wallace wore the results of years of autograph collecting at the CMA Music Festival. "This is my 18th year," said Wallace, who lives in Nashville. "Every year I take my vacation and stay in Nashville."
On Wallace's denim vest were hundreds of autographs by Country Music stars. "This festival is just habit-forming," he said.
MJI on the Air
CMA's official CMA Music Festival radio partner, MJI Programming, a division of Premiere Radio Networks, brought 20 of Country radio's top-rated stations - including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Atlanta - to Nashville for three days of remote broadcasts from the Convention Center.
Nearly 60 major record label artists and celebrities participated in the remotes reaching millions of listeners.
According to Tower Records, which sold CDs at the Wrangler Fan Fair and other event locations, the Top 10 selling artists for CMA Music Festival were (in order) Gretchen Wilson, Julie Roberts, SHeDAISY, Trace Adkins, Big & Rich, John Michael Montgomery, Dierks Bentley, Josh Turner, Lonestar and Billy Currington.
Tower officials said that Wilson sold three times the number of CDs as the No. 2 seller - the widest gap in memory. The top selling single was from recent "Nashville Star" winner Brad Cotter and the No. 1 DVD was Trace Adkins.
The Sports Zone
CMA's new Sports Zone scored a hit with participants and fans in 2004. On Thursday, two ambulances waited curbside as Fisher's ATV World's Celebrity ATV Rodeo got underway. It's always good to be ready for an emergency, but there really wasn't much need. Stars including Blue County, Kix Brooks, Tracy Byrd, Billy Currington, Tracy Lawrence, James Otto and Daryle Singletary maneuvered through a narrow obstacle course that didn't allow for any dangerous speeding.
Still, Eddie Montgomery summoned his inner Evil Knievel when he won the first heat with his Montgomery Gentry partner Troy Gentry. He stood up on the seat of his ATV as he crossed the victory line in triumph. The ambulance was not needed.
Friday, songwriter Neil Thrasher (formerly of the duo Thrasher Shiver) proved the surest shot at "The Third Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament," placing first among 12 celebrity contestants.
Fans cheered on Kix Brooks, Tracy Byrd, Ty England, Troy Gentry and others as they aimed at targets drawn on faux deer, bear and wolves. Griggs himself tied for second with Daniel Lee Martin and Ty England.
Country Music stars including Chalee Tennison and Steve Azar had fun with some athletes at the Sports Zone Friday. Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Steve Cole, Tennessee Titans defensive end Carlos Hall and 1980 Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers of the University of South Carolina tried out basketball, hockey, miniature golf and other sports activities with the singers.
When some fishin' musicians tested their skills with the help from some professionals, it was songwriter Monty Powell who came out on top. Powell, who was paired with CITGO Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle, has co-written songs performed by Tim McGraw ("One of These Days"), Diamond Rio ("Finish What We Started," "I Was Meant to be with You") and Keith Urban ("Who Wouldn't Wanna be Me"). Swindle caught the winning 5-pound, 7-ounce bass in the Cumberland River.
That bested efforts by Country Music singers Shannon Brown, Chris Cagle, Billy Currington, Billy Dean, Tim Rushlow and Chely Wright, who all caught their bass using light line spinning tackle along the rocky shoreline. "It was no competition," Powell said. "In Nashville, it all starts with a song, so it should be no surprise that a songwriter won."
"He was pretty good," Swindle admitted. "He's very competitive and I like anyone that wants to win."
The weigh-in was held at the Sports Zone stage and the BASSMASTER TOUR EXPO. The BASSMASTER TOUR EXPO featured exhibits from Tennessee-based Triton Boats as well as the Mercury Outboards Racing Truck, the Skeeter Interactive Truck, CITGO's Lake CITGO Casting Challenge, a Pure Fishing merchandise trailer, Bass Pro Shops retail area, Purolator and Busch displays, a Flowmaster-sponsored giveaway of a 50th anniversary Fender Stratocaster guitar and an opportunity for kids to take part in a Bassmaster CastingKids scholarship program presented by CITGO.
Bush's Baked Beans Family Zone
Growing in popularity each year, the Bush's Baked Beans Family Zone was buzzing during CMA Music Festival with activities for youngsters and the young at heart.
Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap stopped by the Lawry's Live! booth Friday to help with a demonstration. "I love to cook and cook all the time using Lawry's Seasoning Salt," Dunlap said. "But I don't get to cook as much anymore since the past nine months I've been living in hotels."
CMA and The Tennessean newspaper teamed up with Bush's Baked Beans and Office Depot to sponsor the "Color Me Musical" Poster Contest. The contest encouraged children in kindergarten through 8th grade to design a poster around how music moved them, and then write an essay about it. Nearly 400 entries were received.
The kindergarten through 4th grade winner was Melody Shaver, and Lari Spain won for the 5th through 8th grade category.
On Friday, Jay Bush and his dog Duke, spokesduo for Bush's Baked Beans, presented the winners with $500 savings bonds, concert tickets, dinner with Jay Bush and Duke, and other prizes from Office Depot.
Armed with personal experience, creative license and a sense of humor, Chalee Tennison took a new approach with some classic children's stories Sunday. When you're the mother of three girls, adapting to a situation so a child's feelings aren't hurt is a necessary skill.
Reading "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" to children in the Family Zone, Tennison got the children involved by assigning each Billy Goat part to a child. But there were four children who wanted to be Billy Goats, and only three parts. So Tennison improvised a fourth Billy Goat part and incorporated it into the story. And you should hear the one about the "Five" Little Pigs. Two of Tennison's daughters - Tiffany and Haley - were there to watch mom in action.
Music Festival fans and local residents attending the Family Zone Sunday got a free lunch from CMA Music Festival partner Bush's(R) Baked Beans and the opportunity to meet spokesduo Jay Bush and his dog Duke.
"It's amazing," said Shari Forman, an account executive at Edelman Public Relations who handles the Bush's(R) Baked Beans account. "There were more than 200 people in line when we started serving at 11:30 AM. By the time we're done, 500-600 people will come through."
At least 150 pounds of Bush's Baked Beans were served, along with 1,000 hamburgers and hot dogs. The past five summers, Jim and Sandy Maples of Harrison, Ark., have spent a week in June at the CMA Music Festival.
Waiting for 9-year-old granddaughter Shyann Miller to compete in a hula-hooping contest, the Maples told of their annual routine: "We drive our motor home and park near Percy Priest Lake for seven bucks a night," Jim Maples said. "We tow our van behind, and we drive in every day.
The concerts at The Coliseum are worth the price of admission by themselves. We live near Branson, Mo., and there you pay $30 to see one performer."
CMA Celebrity Close Up
Fans who got up early to attend the Friday morning interview session got to see a reunion of performers who toured Iraq in December including Mark Wills, Darryl Worley, Karri Turner from the CBS television show "JAG" and Al Franken, who participated by phone from the New York studio of his syndicated radio program "The O Franken Factor." Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap, who visited troops in November, was also a participant and media and television personality Lorianne Crook was host.
During the discussion, Wills and Worley held their own as comedians amiably sparing with Franken. The group toured the Middle East in December on a USO tour and Worley admitted he was leery of the idea, because of the comedian's vocal positions against the war in Iraq. When everybody met, they got along famously despite political differences. "We love the troops for the same reason," Worley said. "We don't have to agree politically."
In the afternoon session, which featured Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, Trace Adkins and LeAnn Rimes, Rimes admitted to Crook that she has a ways to go to become the perfect housewife, and she may never get there. Rimes admitted that she didn't know much about cooking and cleaning.
"All those years I was supposed to be learning that, I was on the road," she said. Rimes said she was improving as a cook, but her husband was still better at it.
CMA Music Festival After Hours
"The daytime business is just as good as the nighttime," said Libbi McCullough, Owner of Robert's Western World. "We're packed as long as the doors are open."
Fifteen Downtown Nashville clubs participated in CMA Music Festival After Hours. Each received official Music Festival T-shirts, cups and banners and were incorporated in advertising for the event. "This is the best festival for us since they moved Downtown in 2001," McCullough said.
NBC Daytime
Many "Days of our Lives" and "Passions" enthusiasts got autographs and photos with cast members including Kyle Brandt ("Philip"); Bryan Dattilo ("Lucas"); Judi Evans ("Bonnie"); Kyle Lowder ("Brady"); Melissa Reeves ("Jennifer"); and Alison Sweeney ("Sami") from "Days of our Lives;" and Charles Divins ("Chad"); Eric Martsolf ("Ethan"); Liza Huber ("Gwen"); Heidi Mueller ("Kay"); Richard Steinmetz ("Martin Fitzgerald"); and McKenzie Westmore ("Sheridan") from "Passions."
For Liane Benoit, it was a chance to meet her future co-workers. "I won a walk-on role in a radio contest," she said. "They all told me to look them up when I get out there."
The Warner Robins, Ga., resident won a contest sponsored by CMA, NBC and the syndicated Country Music radio show "After MidNite With Blair Garner." She got the walk-on role and a trip for two to Nashville to attend the 2004 CMA Music Festival. What role will she play on the show? She doesn't know yet. "They could put me on as a coat rack and I'd be happy," she said.
NBC Daytime After Hours Party
Soap opera fans had to summon yet another burst of energy to attend the sold-out NBC Daytime After Hours Party at the Wildhorse Saloon featuring stars from "Days of our Lives" and "Passions" plus special performances by Blue County and Lonestar.
CMAfest.com
CMA Music Festival's official Web site, https://www.CMAfest.com , had more than 800,000 visitors in the months leading up to the event. During the festival, schedule changes were updated daily and the site featured extensive photo and editorial coverage.
2005 CMA Music Festival Tickets
Four-day ticket packages for 2005 CMA Music Festival are on sale now for a limited time at 2004 prices. 2005 CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12 in Downtown Nashville.
Tickets are available by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or via https://www.CMAfest.com ; or through Ticketmaster by phone at (615) 255- 9600 or over the Internet at https://www.Ticketmaster.com . Ticket prices are subject to change. Order early for the best available reserved seats at The Coliseum. All sales are final and non-refundable.
Four-day ticket packages are divided into categories corresponding to different levels of reserved seating at The Coliseum including the popular Gold Circle, which includes preferred seating on the field, preferred parking at The Coliseum and wait service at your seat (limit four (4) Gold Circle tickets per order).
2005 CMA Music Festival continues its popular program of offering discounts for fans 14 and younger. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Children 3 and younger are admitted free.
Gold Circle (Center Floor): $250
Floor (Field): $145
Lower Level: $125
Club Level: $125
Television Special
As previously announced, the 2004 CMA Music Festival was filmed and documented for a two-hour television special that will air on the CBS Television Network later this summer. Kix Brooks told fans that the special could turn out to be a benchmark in the history of Country Music.
"I don't know how many of you are old enough to have seen [the film] 'Woodstock,' but that's the idea," Brooks said during CMA Celebrity Close Up Friday. "There's going to be lots of performances, but it's also going to be very much about you fans and the things that go on in day-to-day life at the CMA Music Festival."
For up-to-the-minute information about CMA Music Festival visit https://www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news.
CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Country Weekly is an official media partner. MJI Programming, a division of Premiere Radio Networks, is the official radio broadcaster. Promotional partners include Bush's Baked Beans, Greased Lightning, NBC Daytime and Wrangler.
