2017 CMA Music Festival: Fan Fair lineup announced

May 18, 2017

CMA Music Festival logo

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 50th 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.

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

CMA Music Festival logo

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

CMA Music Festival logo

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.

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.

 

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