CMA Music Festival Archives

2018 CMA Fest: What to expect at this year’s event

June 6, 2018

The following are excepts from CMA Fest press releases:

The Country Music Association proudly reveals the artist lineup for this year’s CMA Fest. Now in its 47th year, CMA Fest boasts an exceptional bill of hundreds of artists performing on 11 stages throughout downtown Nashville Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, 2018. All of CMA Fest’s outdoor daytime stages, as well as nightly shows at the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater, are free and open to the public. (Click here for a full schedule.)

Billboard named CMA Fest its No. 1 Country Music festival in the U.S. in 2017, raving, “When it comes to great Country Music festivals, this one has been – and is – the gold standard.” Last year’s CMA Fest drew sold-out crowds and the largest fan engagement by Country Music fans in the event’s history from visitors from all 50 states and nearly 20 international countries. CMA Fest is the longest-running Country Music festival in the world with proceeds going directly to helping enrich and sustain music education programs across the country through CMA’s nonprofit arm, the CMA Foundation, thanks to every artist at the festival donating their time.

Here’s a list of 2018 CMA Fest stages and the artists who will be performing on those stages. All times listed are Central Time.

Nissan Stadium

June 7-10 nightly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skupL4cBa7k

Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Charles Esten and Friends, Florida Georgia Line, Dustin Lynch, Old Dominion, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lee Ann Womack and Brett Young. Lauren Alaina and Bebe Rexha will make guest appearances.

Chevy Riverfront Stage

June 7-10, 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m. at Riverfront Park

All performances are free and open to the public.

A Thousand Horses, Lauren Alaina, Frankie Ballard, Lee Brice, Chase Bryant, Cam, Craig Campbell, Easton Corbin, Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Gavin DeGraw, Russell Dickerson, Drake White and The Big Fire, Lindsay Ell, Tyler Farr, Hunter Hayes, Walker Hayes, High Valley, Home Free, LANCO, Chris Lane, LOCASH, Maddie & Tae, Scotty McCreery, William Michael Morgan, Parmalee, Eric Paslay, Carly Pearce, Cassadee Pope, RaeLynn, Michael Ray, Dylan Scott, Canaan Smith, Corey Smith, Granger Smith, The Cadillac Three, Morgan Wallen and Aaron Watson.

Chevy Breakout Stage

June 7-10, 10:30 a.m.-4:55 p.m. at Walk of Fame Park

All performances are free and open to the public.

Jimmie Allen, Abby Anderson, Kassi Ashton, Drew Baldridge, Chris Bandi, Big Smo, Ashley Campbell, Crowder, Jacob Davis, Delta Rae, Cale Dodds, Adam Doleac, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Riley Green, Trent Harmon, Sundance Head, James Barker Band, Jillian Jacqueline, Krystal Keith and Lance Carpenter, Jon Langston, Love and Theft, Ashley McBryde, Logan Mize, Steve Moakler, Muscadine Bloodline, Jerrod Niemann, Luke Pell, Josh Phillips, Radio Romance, Maggie Rose, Runaway June, Dylan Schneider, Sister Hazel, SmithField, The Wild Feathers, Michael Tyler, Walker McGuire, Waterloo Revival and Charlie Worsham.

Budweiser Forever Country Stage

June 7-10, 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. behind Ascend Amphitheater

All performances are free and open to the public.

Keith Anderson, David Ball, John Berry, BlackHawk, Terri Clark, Mark Collie, Billy Dean, Joe Diffie, Exile, “Forever Country, Never Forgotten: A Tribute to Those Lost from Country Music,” Andy Griggs, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence (and special guests), Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Little Texas, Lonestar, Mila Mason, Terry McBride, Lorrie Morgan, Heidi Newfield, Jamie O’Neal, Lee Roy Parnell, Restless Heart, Shenandoah, The Bellamy Brothers, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley and Michelle Wright.

Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage

June 7-9, beginning at 7 p.m. at Ascend Amphitheater

All performances are free and open to the public.

June 7: BBR Music Group presents Chase Bryant, Craig Campbell, Lindsay Ell, Everette, Chase Rice, Runaway June and Granger Smith.

June 8: Red Light Management presents Lee Brice, Clare Dunn, Tyler Farr, Maddie & Tae and Drake White and The Big Fire.

June 9: Warner Music Nashville presents Cole Swindell, Cale Dodds, Morgan Evans, Michael Ray and Tegan Marie.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store returns to CMA Fest with Rock With Us, a rocking chair experience Thursday through Saturday. The brand will turn Ascend Park and the nearby John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge into a true Cracker Barrel front porch experience by displaying 100 rocking chairs as well as three giant rockers making their festival debut. Fans will be encouraged to post photos in the rockers on their social media channels using the hashtag #CBMusic. During CMA Fest in 2017, Cracker Barrel raised $15,000 for the CMA Foundation through a rocking chair experience. Additional details for this year’s Rock With Us will be announced soon.

The Maui Jim Broadway Stage

All performances are free and open to the public.

June 7-10, 10:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Cafe

17 Memphis, Ryan Beaver, Logan Brill, Brennley Brown, Austin Burke, Davisson Brothers Band, Travis Denning, Jeffrey East, Hannah Ellis, FILMORE, Noah Guthrie, Levi Hummon, Brett Kissel, Tegan Marie, Josh Mirenda, Hudson Moore, Hayley Orrantia, Meghan Patrick, Stephanie Quayle, Jordan Rager, Brandon Ray, Restless Road, Tyler Rich, Adam Sanders, Scooter Brown Band, Kalie Shorr, Natalie Stovall, Sweet Tea Trio, Temecula Road, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Last Bandoleros, Tyminski and Carter Winter.

June 7, 2:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: BMI Showcase with Adam Craig, Ray Fulcher, Trea Landon, Drew Parker, Faren Rachels, and Payton Smith.

Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage

June 7-10, 11 a.m.-4:40 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena’s NCVC Visitor Center

All performances are free and open to the public.

Baylou, Craig Wayne Boyd, Lewis Brice, Emily Brooke, Kenton Bryant, Dallas Caroline, Ruthie Collins, Dalton & the Sheriffs, Sarah Darling, Haley & Michaels, Halfway to Hazard, Lucas Hoge, House Whiskey, Madison Kozak, Kendell Marvel, Ian Munsick, Ray Scott, George Shingleton, Sons of Daughters and Tara Thompson.

June 7: ASCAP showcase with Max Camp, Hannah Dasher, Austin Jenckes, Parker McKay, Steven Lee Olsen, Riley Roth, Steel Union, Matt Stell, TRAVLRS and Sarah Allison Turner.

June 8: SESAC showcase with Spencer Crandall, Ben Danaher, Erin Enderlin, Livy Jeanne, Jordyn Mallory, Tom O’Connor, Jake Rose, Seaforth, SZLACHETKA and Jenny Tolman.

HGTV Lodge at Fan Alley

June 7-10 at Music City Center

Lauren Alaina, Carlton Anderson, Lee Brice, Cam, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, Chris DeStefano, Lindsay Ell, Morgan Evans, Walker Hayes, Ryan Hurd, Jillian Jacqueline, LANCO, Chris Lane, LOCASH, Dustin Lynch, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi, Eric Paslay, Cassadee Pope, Michael Ray, Mitchell Tenpenny, Tenille Townes, The Cadillac Three, Rachel Wammack, Lee Ann Womack and Trisha Yearwood. Special appearances by HGTV “Property Brothers” stars Jonathan and Drew Scott. Great American Country’s Suzanne Alexander will emcee during the four-day event.

Radio Disney Country Stage at Xfinity Fan Fair X

June 7-10 at Music City Center

Jimmie Allen, Abby Anderson, Cam, Jillian Cardarelli, CB30, Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Russell Dickerson, Cale Dodds, Lindsay Ell, Emily Hackett, Adam Hambrick, Trent Harmon, Walker Hayes, Jillian Jacqueline, Caroline Jones, Madison Kozak, LANCO, Maddie & Tae, Tegan Marie, Jaden Michaels, Cassadee Pope, Stephanie Quayle, RaeLynn, Savvy & Mandy, Noah Schnacky, Kalie Shorr, Christina Taylor and Rachel Wammack. Marie, Hayley Orrantia and Shorr join Radio Disney Country personality Betsy Spina to share hosting duties throughout the weekend.

CMA Spotlight Stage at Xfinity Fan Fair X

June 7-10 at Music City Center

2Steel Girls, 8 Ball Aitken, American Young, Paul Bogart, Haley Mae Campbell, Cort Carpenter, Caryn Lee Carter, CERRITO, Jessie Chris, Chas Collins, Dustin Collins, Nora Collins, Crystal Day, Joe Denim, Dixie Jade, James Dupré, Tim Elliott, EmiSunshine, Farewell Angelina, Folk Soul Revival, Kenny Foster, Gal Friday, Josh Gallagher, Lee Gantt, Harper Grae, Kristi Hoopes, Jason Morton & The Chesapeake Sons, Meghan Kabir, Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road, Kelsey Lamb, Olivia Lane, Cherish Lee, Jenny Leigh, Lucy Angel, Elizabeth Lyons, Red Marlow, Bobby Marquez, Jackson Michelson, Kylie Morgan, Marta, Shane Owens, Presley & Taylor, Jesse Rice, Matt Rogers, Southern Halo, Summer Brooke & The Mountain Faith Band, Glen Templeton, The Lovers, The Springs, The Wandering Hearts, The Young Fables and Karen Waldrup.

Close Up Stage at Xfinity Fan Fair X

June 7-10 at Music City Center

These are Q&As with celebrities.

June 7: Dierks Bentley

June 8: Luke Bryan

June 9: Dustin Lynch

June 10: Kelsea Ballerini

New this year, CMA will host the Music Streaming Lounge at Xfinity Fan Fair X, a place for fans to have hands-on involvement with music streaming platforms, offering charging stations and a lounge for fans to enjoy each day.

On June 7, the lounge will be transformed into an iHeartRadio recording studio where fans will have the opportunity to become an on-air radio host interviewing some of the biggest names in Country Music for broadcast on a special iHeartRadio Fan Fair X station. Fans will also get a photo with the artist to commemorate their first radio gig inside the iHeartRadio pop-up studio.

On June 8, Spotify will debut a new digital experience where fans can find their “Country Music Match” and create collaborative playlists live with Country artists, while also offering updated free product and assisting listeners in personalizing their listening experiences.

On June 9, guests will be able to interact with tens of millions of songs on Amazon Music while using Alexa, requesting music in brand new ways based on mood, era, genre, city, lyrics, and much more. Guests will also be able to meet various Country Music artists stopping by the Amazon Music space, some featured on the brand-new global playlist Country Heat.

Of the numerous artists appearing at Xfinity Fan Fair X over the four-day event, most of the meet and greets do not require tickets. In these instances, fans may freely join the line formations for non-ticketed signings.

Don’t miss a beat—download the CMA Fest app, or get connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and sign up for CMA Country Connection emails to receive the latest news as soon as it’s announced.

About CMA Fest
The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience™ began in 1972 as Fan Fair®, which drew 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. Now in its 47th year, the legendary festival has become the city’s signature Country Music event that hosts in excess of 90,000 fans from all 50 states and two dozen foreign countries. In 2017, CMA Fest featured 11 stages with over 350 artists, 1,100 musicians, and 167 hours of music – all to benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $21 million to sustainable music education initiatives across the U.S. thanks to the fans who attend CMA Fest and the artists who perform for free. CMA Fest is filmed for a three-hour ABC Television Network special. 2018 marks the 15th consecutive year of the broadcast.

About the CMA Foundation
Established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining music education programs all across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music education. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has invested more than $21 million in over 85 programs across the national public school system, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations. Guided by the generosity of the Country Music community, proceeds from CMA Fest, the four-day long music festival held annually in Nashville, are used to power the CMA Foundation’s social impact and unique model of giving. For more information visit CMAfoundation.org.

2018 CMA Fest: Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini return as hosts of ABC special

June 5, 2018

The following is a press release from the Country Music Association and ABC:

The Country Music Association has announced that Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini will return for a second year as hosts of “CMA Fest,” the three-hour special that brings country music’s ultimate fan experience to a national television audience. “CMA Fest” airs WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 (8:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network and is executive produced by Robert Deaton.

“This year’s CMA Fest is our biggest yet with many artists debuting full sets on the Nissan Stadium stage,” said Sarah Trahern, chief executive officer, CMA. “We’re thrilled once again to broadcast ‘CMA Fest’ and bring the festival to millions of country music fans not only here in the U.S. but all around the world.”

“Thomas and Kelsea are the embodiment of the summer fun that is CMA Fest, and we are so excited they’ll be back for year two,” said Rob Mills, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials & Late-Night, ABC Entertainment.

Filmed during Nashville’s annual CMA Fest, Thursday, June 7, through Sunday, June 10, the television special features more than 25 of country music’s biggest names as they hit the stage during the four-day event. 2018 marks the 15th consecutive year of the broadcast, a feat no other U.S. music festival has achieved. Last year’s broadcast of “CMA Fest” achieved three-year ratings highs.

Ballerini will perform at Nissan Stadium Saturday, June 9, in addition to appearing as Artist of the Day at Xfinity Fan Fair X on Sunday, June 10. A limited number of four-day tickets for the nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, which also includes four-day access to Xfinity Fan Fair X, are still available at CMAfest.com/tickets or through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST.

CMA Fest is unlike any other with live music on 11 official stages throughout downtown Nashville; meet and greets and up-close-and-personal experiences for fans at Xfinity Fan Fair X; over 300 acts donating their time in support of music education through the CMA Foundation; and nearly 90,000 country music fans from the all over the U.S. and abroad flocking to Music City each summer. All of CMA Fest’s outdoor daytime stages, as well as nightly shows at the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater, are free and open to the public. Fans can purchase the CMA Fest Nash Pass for $60 plus fees, allowing a limited amount of fans VIP early access at the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage. The Nash Pass also includes a Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum tour, Ryman Auditorium tour and four-day admission to Xfinity Fan Fair X. Tickets for Xfinity Fan Fair X are available for $10 each day or $25 for a four-day pass.

Guided by the generosity of the country music community, proceeds from CMA Fest are used to drive the CMA Foundation’s mission of enriching and sustaining music education programs. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has invested over $21 million in 85 programs across the national public school system, after-school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations.

About CMA Fest

The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience™ began in 1972 as Fan Fair®, which drew 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. Now in its 47th year, the legendary festival has become the city’s signature Country Music event that hosts in excess of 90,000 fans from all 50 states and two dozen foreign countries. In 2017, CMA Fest featured 11 stages with over 350 artists, 1,100 musicians, and 167 hours of music – all to benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $21 million to sustainable music education initiatives across the U.S. thanks to the fans who attend CMA Fest and the artists who perform for free. CMA Fest is filmed for a three-hour ABC Television Network special. 2018 marks the 15th consecutive year of the broadcast.

2017 CMA Music Festival: free concerts at Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage

May 22, 2017

CMA Music Festival

The following is a press release from CMA:

Billy Ray Cyrus at the 50th Annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville onNovember 2, 2016. (Photo courtesy of ABC/Image Group LA)

Kellie Pickler (Photo courtesy of E.W. Scripps Company)

Hunter Hayes at the 50th Annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville onNovember 2, 2016. (Photo courtesy of ABC/Image Group LA)

CMA Music Festival announces free nightly concerts at the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage located in downtown Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater Thursday, June 8 through Saturday, June 10, beginning at 7:00 PM/CT each evening.

Big and Rich “Bring the Party” will kick off the 2017 festivities Thursday with special guests DJ Sinister & the Country Fried Mix and Cowboy Troy. Additional performers include Deana Carter, Billy Ray Cyrus and Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys, presented by Nash Icon.

Sara Evans will headline Ladies of Country Friday. Also performing are songstresses 3 Girls Rock into a Bar featuring Kelleigh Bannen, Ruthie Collins, and Natalie Stovall; Danielle Bradbery; Kellie Pickler; and Aubrie Sellers, hosted by media partner WKRN-TV, ABC’s Channel 2 Nashville.

SiriusXM The Highway presents Saturday with Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes, High Valley and RaeLynn, with additional performances by newcomers Cale Dodds, Ryan Kinder and Bailey Bryan, all powered by Warner Sound.

“With tens of thousands of Country Music fans pouring in from all over the U.S. and over two dozen countries, CMA’s partnership with Cracker Barrel to present free nightly concerts at Ascend offers non-four-day ticket holders access to additional nighttime options and the chance to see even more of their favorite artists,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

“Music and entertainment are an important part of the Cracker Barrel brand experience because the platform provides an invaluable and resounding connection with our guests, which is why we’ve committed to this partnership for the next three years,” said Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Senior Vice President of Marketing Don Hoffman.

During the Festival, Cracker Barrel will also launch “Rock-A-Thon,” a rocking chair experience to raise money for the CMA Foundation, Thursday through Saturday evening. The brand will bring a little piece of home to downtown Nashville by displaying 644 rocking chairs, a symbol of its nationwide store count. If Festival-goers collectively rock at least 150,000 times in a rocker, Cracker Barrel will donate $15,000 to the CMA Foundation. Fans can follow along online and on smart phones to track the progress at www.CBRockathon.com. For more information on Cracker Barrel activations at CMA Music Fest, follow along on social media using hashtag #CBMusic.

Funds generated through CMA Music Festival benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $17.5 million to support quality, sustainable music education initiatives across the country on behalf of the artists who participate in the event for free, impacting the lives of one million children through the power of music.

Joining the star-packed lineup of the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium to sing the National Anthem each evening will be Phil Vassar on Thursday alongside the United States Customs and Border Protection color guard, Brooke Eden on Friday, the Knoxville, Tennessee Central High School Bobcat Company choral group, led by Choral Director Matt Parks Saturday, and Restless Heart Sunday.

The HGTV Lodge returns to the 2017 CMA Music Festival with Country Music’s hottest stars taking the stage in the network’s popular and unique venue. The 3,500-square-foot HGTV Lodge, located at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Broadway, will offer Festival-goers the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience™, including live musical performances by popular artists Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban, as well as special appearances by HGTV stars Mina Starsiak and Karen E Laine (“Good Bones”), Ben and Erin Napier (“Home Town”), Jonathan and Drew Scott (“Property Brothers”) and Dave and Kortney Wilson (“Masters of Flip”).

The HGTV Lodge, which celebrates its sixth consecutive year at CMA Fest, also will host performances and autograph signings with many more Country Music stars, including Lauren Alaina, Bobby Bones, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Russell Dickerson, Tyler Farr, Chris Janson, Eric Paslay, RaeLynn, Michael Ray, Josh Turner and Brett Young. Great American Country’s Suzanne Alexander will serve as the HGTV Lodge emcee during the four-day event.

Social discovery app Bumble is teaming up with Grammy and seven-time CMA Award-winning trio Lady Antebellum to bring the “You Look Good” Beetique to CMA Fest on Saturday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM/CT at The Bell Tower. The Beetique will feature a beautiful indoor aesthetic and create a space that complements both Bumble’s mission of empowering women and the meaning behind the group’s new single — the lighthearted spirit of feeling good. Bumble users are invited to attend and experience a beauty bar powered by Sephora and styling studio from The Dry House, as well as a BFF Lounge, photo booths, a custom menu of bites and refreshments provided by Brancott Estate Wines, all curated by Cassie Kelley of Womanista.

The event will also feature artist appearances throughout the day from Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Bannen, Bradbery, Cam, Sara Evans, Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, Megan & Liz, Kacey Musgraves, Post Monroe and influencers Caroline Hobby and Brooke Webb of KBStyled. Select attendees of the Beetique will have the chance to attend the evening’s exclusive private event “Hottest Date Night Ever” with special performances by Walker Hayes, Lady Antebellum and Young. Fans can follow the event and join the conversation using hashtags #BumbleBeetique and #YouLookGood, and see highlights at @Bumble on Instagram or blog.bumble.com.

“CMA identified a unique opportunity in partnering with Bumble for this digital activation so that fans can interact with some of their favorite artists in an engaging, and more accessible way,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Chief Marketing Officer.

A limited number of tickets for the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium are still available through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST. Nightly Concert tickets also include four-day access to Xfinity Fan Fair X. Outdoor daytime stages including the Chevrolet Riverfront and Park Stages, Budweiser “Forever Country” Park Stage, Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe and the Music City Stage inside the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena are free and open to the public.

CMA is offering a special CMA Fest Nash Pass for $50 plus tax which includes a four-day Xfinity Fan Fair X ticket, a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium (that must be used during the Festival), admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and VIP entry and seating at Ascend Amphitheater’s nightly concerts. Nash Pass VIP entry will be accessible from 5:00 PM/CT to 7:00 PM/CT. Gates open to the general public at 6:00 PM/CT.

Updates to the Official 2017 CMA Fest App, including information on more stages, real-time alerts for secret shows, schedule customizations and share options, and connecting with friends, are all now available. Fans can also register for CMA Fest Fan Access within the app for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to the 2018 CMA Fest, airfare, hotel accommodations, and front row tickets to the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium. Fans who sign up can enter the Ultimate Fan Experiences Drawing starting Tuesday, May 30 at 10:00 AM/CT for chances to win meet & greets with artists and special performances in the HGTV Lodge, plus register their QR code at scan stations throughout the Festival for chances to win instant prizes.
The app is available for iOS in the Apple App Store and Android in the Google Play Store. For more details, visit CMAfest.com/app.

Stay connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Instagram.com/CMA, “CMAsnaps” on Snapchat, and sign up for CMA Country Connection, CMA’s e-newsletter.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of WSM, Incorporated and is used by permission.

2017 CMA Music Festival: Fan Fair lineup announced

May 18, 2017

The following is a press release from the CMA Music Festival:

CMA Fest 2017 is the hottest ticket in Country Music with more than 353K square feet of air-conditioned fun and entertainment Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11 (9:30 AM-5:00 PM) at Music City Center in downtown Nashville. As CMA Fest’s premiere attraction, Xfinity Fan Fair X is the cornerstone of the fan/artist bonding experience where fans meet rising stars and icons, enjoy concerts, see interactive celebrity panels, and more.

“For 46 years, our guests have traveled to Nashville from near and far to meet their favorite artists,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “What happens inside Fan Fair X is one of a kind and we thank our partners like Xfinity, Radio Disney Country, and Durango for helping us create meaningful moments fans will never forget.”

“Fan Fair X has become a CMA Fest staple, bringing people closer to the Country Music and artists they love,” said Matt Lederer, Executive Director, Partnership Marketing, for Comcast. “It’s also a great opportunity to introduce Country Music fans to all the ways our Xfinity X1 platform seamlessly blends TV, movies, and music into one, easy-to-use experience.”

Xtra Special Xperiences
Xfinity Fan Fair X is bigger than ever, showcasing more than 130 exhibitor booths:

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation will offer dog adoptions daily from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM/CT and features a photo booth and “Puppy Corral.”

Snap a photo with the “One Piece At A Time” car – the pieced-together Cadillac inspired by Johnny Cash’s hit song of the same name.
Fans age 21 and up can taste Darius Rucker’s Backstage Southern Whiskey and sample a new ONEHOPE Signature Series Wine created with a soon-to-be-revealed CMA Award-winning artist. Every purchase of the new wine will help fund music education programs through the CMA Foundation.
Style a fashion-forward Festival outfit with signature pieces from “Fairchild,” a new line of clothing from Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town.

Radio Disney Country Stage

A returning fan favorite inside Xfinity Fan Fair X is the Radio Disney Country Stage, where fans will see some of today’s hottest artists, and discover the brightest up-and-coming stars. Radio Disney Country personality Betsy Spina, Kalie Shorr and Savannah Keyes will emcee the stage, for acoustic performances, artist meet-and-greets, and prize giveaways for fans throughout the four days. Scheduled appearances include: Bailey Bryan, Lacy Cavalier, CB30, Jessie Chris, Luke Combs, Jacob Davis, Seth Ennis, Farewell Angelina, Hunter Hayes, Walker Hayes, High Valley, Honey County, Keyes, LANCO, Olivia Lane, Levon, LOCASH, Tegan Marie, Mary Sarah, Scotty McCreery, Hayley Orrantia, Carly Pearce, RaeLynn, Savvy & Mandy, Shorr, Alana Springsteen, Lena Stone, Temecula Road, and Michael Tyler.

Martina McBride (Photo courtesy of ABC/Image Group LA)

One of the biggest draws inside Xfinity Fan Fair X is the Artist of the Day, which spotlights Country superstars sharing a glimpse into their careers. Confirmed Artists of the Day include five-time CMA Award winner and Country icon Martina McBride sharing a retrospective of her thriving career over the last 25 years and 14-time CMA Award winner Brad Paisley reflecting on the 50^th Anniversary of the CMA Awards and his nine year consecutive stint as co-host with Executive Producer Robert Deaton.

Hey Bidder, Bidder

Want to take home your favorite Country artist’s coveted piece of stagewear? Or a CMA Awards program book signed by over 20 artists, including Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, and more? Then get ready to place your bet(s) in the CMA Celebrity Auction with 100% of proceeds benefitting the CMA Foundation. High bidders get to take home a piece of Country Music history, as not only a cherished memento, but as an advocate for sustainable music education programs.

Supporting Music Education

CMA Music Festival has always been focused on the relationship between artists and their fans, but the true beneficiaries are the more than 1 million students who now have access to music education programs across the U.S. thanks to the fans who attend CMA Music Festival and the artists who appear for free. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $17.5 million to support music education initiatives from New York City to Los Angeles,
$11 million of which was distributed in Nashville.

CMA Close Up Stage

The most highly anticipated experience inside Fan Fair X is the CMA Close Up Stage where fans get up close and personal with their favorite artists. Highlights include:

Listen to Glen Campbell’s farewell album “Adios” and revisit his career-spanning records with the Glen Campbell Studio Experience
Deana Carter: Yes, I did shave my legs for this! 20 years of “Strawberry Wine” and personal stories from the road, hosted by Lon Helton
CMA Fest Family Feud: Country Stars vs. Reality Stars, including Craig Campbell, Parmalee, Jeannie Seely, Ray Stevens, and Darryl Worley, plus Jessica “Figgy” Figueroa (“Survivor”), Nicole Franzel (“Big Brother”), James Fuertes (“The Bachelorette”), Sheila Kennedy (Big Brother”), and Caleb Reynolds (“Big Brother” and “Survivor”)
The making of a mashup: A close up look at CMA’s “Forever Country” starring 30 CMA Award-winning artists, with CMA Award-winning producer Shane McAnally and two-time CMA Award nominee Josh Osborne.
Song Suffragettes featuring Jessie James Decker
PURE COUNTRY: PURE HEART Pure Music – A look at the music in the new film from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment featuring Kaitlyn Bausch, Mandi Collier, Ronnie Cox, Amanda Detmer, Damon Santostefano, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, and more, moderated by Frankie Pine
Kristian Bush and friends, featuring Ryan Kinder and Brandon Ray
Eric Paslay: The Songs, The Writers, The Artist
“62 years in the making…and still counting” with Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers featuring a Q&A and acoustic performance
“Music City Knockout: Where Country Music and Cowboy Culture Intersect” – Professional Bull Riders panel with Bonner Bolton (“Dancing With the Stars”), Cooper Davis, and PBR CEO Sean Gleason, interviewed by Matt West
Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride discusses 50 years of music and performs songs from his new album
A look into the ‘90s with Danny Shirley of Confederate Railroad, Terry McBride, and Mark Wills
A lifetime of music: Ricky Skaggs performance and interview with Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Editor Peter Cooper
SESAC songwriters including Restless Road, Stranger Friends, Jake Scherer, and Matthew Szlachetka

Ultimate Fan Experiences Drawing and CMA Fest Fan Access

Fans from around the world gather in Nashville for the chance to meet-and-greet with their favorite artist. Those fan/artist interactions are the highlight of the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience. CMA Music Festival offers that rare perk through a special drawing known as the Ultimate Fan Experiences Drawing.

Of the numerous artists appearing in Fan Fair X over the four-day event, most of the meet-and-greets do not require tickets. In these instances, fans may freely join the line formations for non-ticketed signings.

For chances to win meet-and-greets inside Fan Fair X or access to exclusive performances inside HGTV Lodge, fans must register for CMA Fest Fan Access and then enter the Ultimate Fan Experiences Drawing between Tuesday, May 30 (10:00 AM/CT) and Tuesday, June 1 (10:00 AM/CT).

Fans will be prompted to create an account and complete the online entry form by selecting the artist(s) they would like to meet from the list of ticketed meet-and-greet sessions. Please note: only one account per person is permitted and fans can only be selected once.

Once the form is complete, fans are automatically entered into the random ticket drawing for each artist selected. If drawn, the fan will receive two tickets to that session. Winners will be notified by email and text on Friday, June 2 after 10:00 AM/CT.

CMA Fest Fan Access, presented by Budweiser, unlocks all sorts of perks for Festival-goers, including the chance to win a VIP trip to the 2018 CMA Music Festival and instant prizes from CMA and other participating sponsors.

Lauren Alaina at the 50th Annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 2, 2016 (Photo courtesy of Image Group LA/ABC)

Brandy Clark at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 12, 2017. (Photo by Phil McCarten/CBS)

Jon Pardi at the 50th Annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 2, 2016 (Photo courtesy of Image Group LA/ABC)

More than 80 artists are scheduled for meet-and-greets in the CMA Booth including: Lauren Alaina, Kristian Bush, Brandy Clark, Chris Janson, Jana Kramer, Maddie & Tae, McCreery, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Kellie Pickler, Thompson Square, and more.

Durango Music Spot

Another stage packed with boot-stomping fun is the Durango Music Spot, which showcases Festival favorites all four days including: Rex Allen, Jr., Baillie & the Boys, Moe Bandy, Bobby Bare, T. Graham Brown, Johnny Carver, Tommy Cash, Daily & Vincent, Barbara Fairchild, Jimmy Fortune, David Frizzell, Mickey Gilley, Wade Hayes, Hits & Grins, Georgette Jones, Kelly Lang, Ronnie McDowell, Stella Parton, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Johnny Rodriguez, Jeannie Seely, T.G. Sheppard, Sons of the Palomino, and Sylvia.

New this year, the Durango Music Spot will also feature legendary songwriters including Aaron Barker, Rob Crosby, Even Stevens, Jim Lauderdale, Marc Beeson & Andy Albert, Shane Minor, and Tim Nichols.

The Durango Music Spot operates 11:15 AM-4:20 PM/CT and is broadcast live on 650 AM WSM, WSMonline.com, and the 650 AM WSM Official Mobile App. WSM personalities Bill Cody, Eric Marcum, Charlie Mattos, Devon O’Day, Eddie Stubbs, and Mike Terry will emcee.

Marketplace

The Fan Fair X Marketplace offers a unique shopping experience featuring more than 50 shops and artisans showcasing jewelry, clothing, boots, totes, and many local and regional vendors – the perfect spot for fans to find mementoes for themselves and gifts for a special someone.

Brand Forward
CMA and Nashville-based A3 Merchandise will showcase an expanded product line of unique and trendy Festival apparel and accessories. Items are available for pre-order at http://countrymu.sc/sh17pr for delivery to fans. The shipping cutoff for ordering before CMA Fest is Wednesday, May 31.

Onsite, fans can purchase Festival attire on Level 3 of Music City Center. Official CMA Music Festival merchandise stations are available in locations across the Festival footprint, giving fans quick and easy access to the souvenirs they want.

Entertainment Value: Xfinity Fan Fair X is free to all CMA Music Festival Nightly Concert ticketholders.

Fans who do not have a four-day Festival ticket may purchase a ticket to Fan Fair X at CMAfest.com. Fan Fair X tickets are $10 per day or $25 for a four-day pass. Tickets may also be purchased on-site inside the Music City Center.

New in 2017 is the CMA Fest Nash Pass. Fans can take a tour of Music City with this exciting Nashville bundle including a four-day pass to Xfinity Fan Fair X, admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, plus VIP seating at CMA Fest nightly concerts at Ascend Amphitheater. The Nash Pass is $50 and is available at opry.com/nashpass.

Stay Connected

For upcoming talent announcements and all other info stay connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Instagram.com/CMA, and sign up for CMA Country Connection, CMA’s email newsletter. Fans can also download the 2017 CMA Music Festival mobile app for iPhone or Android to always stay in the know about the latest artist lineups, news, schedule changes, and to plan their Festival experience.

**All artists and schedules are subject to change. Visit CMAfest.com or the CMA Fest app for the latest schedule.**

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of WSM, Incorporated and is used by permission.

XFINITY is Comcast’s residential service brand and is one of the nation’s largest video and high-speed Internet providers, serving customers in 39 states and Washington, D.C. The company provides a full range of products including the Emmy-award winning Xfinity X1 platform, which has changed the way people experience television.

2017 CMA Music Festival: Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett will host ABC special

April 20, 2017

Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett (Photo at left by Guerin Blask. Photo at right by Sonja Flemming/CBS.)

Country music singers Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett will host “CMA Fest 2017,” the three-hour ABC special on the CMA Music Festival.

Ballerini commented in a statement, “I’ve grown up going to CMA Fest as a fan, and last year, getting to perform on the big stage, was one of the most epic memories I’ll ever have,” said Ballerini. “And now, being able to host with my current tour mate Thomas Rhett is just going to be another crazy thing off the bucket list. I can’t wait to test out my hosting skills and perform again this year!”

Rhett added, “I always look forward to CMA Music Fest. Ever since I was there as a fan sitting in the nosebleeds to hosting this year with Kelsea, it’s always been one of the biggest weeks in country music that is all about the fans. I’m pumped.”

2017 CMA Music Festival: Budweiser ‘Forever Country’ Park Stage performers announced

April 12, 2017

The following is a press release from CMA Music Festival:

With nearly 150 acts already set to perform at the 2017 CMA Music Festival across four stages, CMA announced lineups for two additional free stages: The brand new Budweiser “Forever Country” Park Stage in the park space behind Ascend Amphitheater, which will feature some of the biggest names in Country Music from recent decades; and the Music City Stage, located in the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena, a cool spot to enjoy some of Country’s hottest rising stars. CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11, in downtown Nashville.

“We focus on programming unforgettable performances on every stage and thank our returning partners for helping us to do that, while also offering unique activities and experiences for fans,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern.

Performances on the Budweiser “Forever Country” Park Stage will take place from 11:00 AM-4:45 PM/CT daily during the Festival. The lineup includes Jeff Bates, Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, Mark Chesnutt, Confederate Railroad, George Ducas, Emerson Drive, Exile, Andy Griggs, Ty Herndon, “Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence and Friends”, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Little Texas, Lonestar, Mila Mason, Terry McBride, Rick Monroe, Jamie O’Neal, James Otto, Danielle Peck, Trick Pony, Collin Raye, Restless Heart, Julie Roberts, Ray Scott, Shenandoah, Doug Supernaw, Rhonda Vincent and Daryle Singletary, Lari White, Mark Wills, and Darryl Worley.

Fans will enjoy rewinding the clock with many of Country’s most established acts from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s. Bellamy Brothers, Exile, and Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers debuted at CMA Music Festival in the early to mid-‘80s. While this marks McBride’s first solo appearance at the Festival, he made his CMA Fest debut with McBride & The Ride in 1990. White and Supernaw last appeared at CMA Fest in ’95 and ’96, respectively.

Festival attendees often enjoy hours of jam-packed fun in the sun, but the Nashville Visitor Center inside Bridgestone Arena will be the coolest place to take in performances during the Festival. As the location of the Nashville Convention and Visitor Corp’s Music City Stage, it’s the only FREE, air-conditioned, indoor Festival stage, offering fans a convenient place to escape the June heat while still catching the entertainment CMA Music Festival is known for.

Performances on the Music City Stage will take place from 11:00 AM-4:40 PM/CT daily during the Festival. The lineup for Thursday through Saturday includes Jimmie Allen, Sammy Arriaga, Kassi Ashton, Maggie Baugh, Brennley Brown, Brian Callihan, Dallas Caroline, Jessie Chris, Julia Cole, Nora Collins, Dalton & the Sheriffs, Shelly Fairchild, Kenny Foster, Livy Jeanne, Jessie Key, Colm Kirwan, McCoy, Tristan McIntosh, Megan & Liz, Native Run, Camille Rae, Mary Sarah, Zach Seabaugh, CJ Solar, Scott Stevens, Sweet Tea Trio, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Hootz, Kasey Tyndall, and James Robert Webb.

On Sunday, ASCAP Presents at the Music City Stage will showcase artists ranging from fresh-faced new talent to emerging songwriter-artists boasting publishing or record deals and recent tours with major label acts. Performers include Raquel Cole, Crooked King, Dorado, Adam Hambrick, Lucas Hoge, Martin McDaniel, Post Monroe, Brandon Ratcliff, Sarah Allison Turner, and Anna Vaus.

Artist lineups subject to change.

A limited number of tickets for the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium are still available at CMAfest.com or through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST. Outdoor daytime stages including Chevrolet Riverfront and Park Stages, as well as the Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe, are free and open to the public.

Funds generated through CMA Music Festival ticket sales benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $17.5 million to support quality, sustainable music education initiatives across the country on behalf of the artists who participate in the event for free, touching the lives of one million students. For more information, visit CMAfoundation.org.

Additional stage lineups, Fan Fair X activities, and more will be announced soon. Don’t miss a beat by staying connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, the Official CMA Fest App, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and sign up for CMA Country Connection emails to receive the latest news as soon as it’s announced.

CMA Music Festival will once again be filmed for a national television special to air on the ABC Television Network. This is the 13th consecutive year the event has been filmed for a network television special, a feat no other music festival has achieved. “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” will be executive-produced by Robert Deaton.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of WSM, Incorporated and is used by permission.

2017 CMA Music Festival: lineup of performers revealed

March 17, 2017

The following is a press release from the CMA Music Festival:

After four days of social teases, the lineup for the 2017 CMA Music Festival is here! The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11 in downtown Nashville.

Monday through Wednesday this week, a different stage lineup was posted on CMAfest.com and the official CMA Fest mobile app as artists and fans alike posted their #CMAfest excitement and music education support on social media. Tweets and Instagram posts tagged with #CMAfest were compiled into a virtual mosaic image of the CMA Fest logo that was revealed following Friday’s big announcement of the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium lineup on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Taking the big stage are Country Music superstars Trace Adkins, John Anderson, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Tracy Lawrence, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, and Chris Young.

A longtime fan favorite, the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is back in 2017 with a packed lineup that will keep attendees rocking from 10:00 AM-5:15 PM each day. CMA Awards nominees Old Dominion will kick things off Thursday, June 8 (10:00 AM/CT). Additional artists hitting the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage are A Thousand Horses, Lauren Alaina, Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Chase Bryant, Cam, Brandy Clark, Luke Combs, Easton Corbin, Russell Dickerson, Drake White and the Big Fire, Eli Young Band, Tyler Farr, High Valley, Home Free, Chris Janson, Jana Kramer, Chris Lane, LOCASH, Maddie & Tae, Neal McCoy, Scotty McCreery, William Michael Morgan, Joe Nichols, Jon Pardi, Parmalee, Eric Paslay, Kellie Pickler, RaeLynn, Michael Ray, Chase Rice, Canaan Smith, Corey Smith, Granger Smith, Josh Turner, Aaron Watson, and Brett Young.

Located in Walk of Fame Park, the Chevrolet Park Stage will entertain crowds from 10:30 AM-4:55 PM daily with performances by Drew Baldridge, Ryan Beaver, Big Smo, Bailey Bryan, Kristian Bush, Ruthie Collins, Travis Collins, Adam Craig, Jacob Davis, Cale Dodds, Casey Donahew, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Lindsay Ell, Morgan Evans, Ryan Follese, Ryan Griffin, Trent Harmon, Walker Hayes, Sundance Head, LANCO, Jon Langston, Jackie Lee, Love and Theft, Steve Moakler, Muscadine Bloodline, Kyle Park, Carly Pearce, Luke Pell, Mo Pitney, Maggie Rose, Runaway June, Adam Sanders, Jamie Lynn Spears, The Railers, The Swon Brothers, Michael Tyler, Walker McGuire, Morgan Wallen, and Waterloo Revival.

A top Festival destination to discover new artists, the Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe (10:45 AM-4:30 PM daily) will feature Abby Anderson, Chris Bandi, Risa Binder, Craig Wayne Boyd, Ashley Campbell, Colin Elmore & The Danville Train, Davisson Brothers Band, Fairground Saints, Filmore, Ben Gallaher, Haley Georgia, Jillian Jacqueline, Ryan Kinder, Trea Landon, Olivia Lane, Brandon Lay, Levon, Lillie Mae, Sean McConnell, Alyssa Micaela, Meghan Patrick, Jordan Rager, Brandon Ray, Restless Road, Tyler Rich, Dylan Schneider, Scooter Brown Band, Kalie Shorr, Jo Smith, Smithfield, Natalie Stovall, Tara Thompson, Walker County, Hailey Whitters, Alex Williams, and Carter Winter.

Artist lineups are subject to change.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of WSM, Incorporated and is used by permission.

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