Countdown To 2006 CMA Music Festival

Countdown To 2006 CMA Music Festival

By Ryan Noreikas

The 2006 CMA Music Festival is so big it will take an extra day just to accommodate all of the concerts, artist appearances and activities this year.

CMA Music Festival Kick Off Parade and CMA Block Party

The Second Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade will be held on Wednesday, June 7, at 2:45 PM , and will feature artists and sports celebrities riding in classic Chevy vehicles and the newest model cars. Participants include Luke Clausen (pro angler), Cowboy Troy, Erika Jo, Todd Fritsch, Burney Lamar (No. 77 Dollar General Chevrolet Car driver), Larry Nixon (pro angler), Danielle Peck, Michael Peterson, PovertyNeck Hillbillies, Kevin Sharp, Two Foot Fred, Taylor Swift, Keni Thomas, Jimmy Wayne and Chris Young. A surprise multi-Platinum act will participate in the parade as Grand Marshal.

The parade route will take the four-wheeled procession from the starting point at Broadway and Seventh Avenue North down Broadway to Fourth Avenue South to Demonbreun and then right on Demonbreun to Fifth Avenue, where it will end at Fifth Avenue and Broadway.

But the party doesn't end there because immediately following the parade the inaugural CMA Block Party will take place 3:30-9:00 PM at Gaylord Entertainment Center Plaza on Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Cowboy Troy will host the high-octane musical event, featuring performances from Emerson Drive, The Grascals, Little Big Town, LoCash Cowboys, Pinmonkey, the PovertyNeck Hillbillies and a special guest performance. The celebration doesn't stop, with concerts and activities happening throughout the four days, until the closing fireworks Sunday night, June 11, at The Coliseum.

CMA Music Festival is the ultimate summer festival experience with more than 400 Country Music artists and celebrities; 70 hours of concerts; four days of autograph signings in the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall); artist interviews at CMA Celebrity Close Up at the Ryman Auditorium; the Sports Zone, featuring "The Fifth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament;" Chevy "All Access Music Tour" Stage; the return of the NBC Daytime stars; activities for the whole family in the Family Zone and Fun Zone, including the Crisco® Country Favorites Corner; nightlife for the party hearty during CMA Music Festival After HoursT; surprise appearances and more!

With so many activities, concerts and celebrity appearances, CMA Music Festival continues to evolve as the must-do, musical event of the year for any music enthusiast.

"With its variety of entertainment and celebrity/fan interaction, CMA Music Festival is the ultimate destination for music lovers," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "Fans come from all over the world to see their favorite Country artists, athletes and television stars, and engage in the excitement of family-friendly activities during the day, as well as night time fun."

And it all benefits children and music education in Nashville. The artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time. They are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing. In appreciation of their exhaustive efforts, CMA donates half the net proceeds from the event to charity on their behalf.

To date, CMA has donated more than $800,000 to worthy causes on behalf of the artists and in 2006, CMA launched "Keep the Music Playing," which earmarks music education in public schools for this important initiative through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education. CMA anticipates contributing $300,000 toward music education for Metro Nashville's 73,000 public school students in 2006.

During last year's CMA Music Festival, Rachel Kice, performance artist, painter and member of MuzikMafia, a collaboration of Nashville artists who provide musicians the chance to perform in freewheeling concerts at clubs in Music City, was on The Coliseum stage during the Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy performances to capture their music, motion and energy on canvas, while simultaneously entertaining the audience while she worked. Kice donated this artwork to CMA to be used in an art program to benefit the "Keep the Music Playing" charity program. Posters of the artwork will be sold during the Festival at all five merchandise booths, plus fans can order the poster at www.CMAfest.com.

The charity donation is appreciated, but at its heart, CMA Music Festival is - and always will be - about the fans and their relationship with the artists and the music. And in 2006, Festival attendees are coming from every state and more than 25 foreign countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay.

The Coliseum

The Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum (home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans) are a music lover's dream featuring surprise guests, unique musical collaborations, many of the biggest names in Country Music, and some of the hottest, rising stars including Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Keith Anderson, Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn, Terri Clark, Billy Currington, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans, Pat Green, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Los Lonely Boys and Ronnie Milsap, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, Brad Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, SHeDAISY, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams, Jr., Wynonna and Trisha Yearwood.

Pre-show activities begin at 7:30 PM/CT on Thursday, including the presentation of the Stars and Stripes by the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station Nashville Color Guard. In addition, Mark Wills will perform the National Anthem and another patriotic-themed song.

The Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum begin each night at 8 PM, featuring non-stop entertainment with state-of-the-art production on dual stages and fireworks at the conclusion of each show. Fans have the opportunity to get up close to the stage and take photos in the moving photo line.

Reserved seat tickets for each nightly show at The Coliseum cost $30 and can be purchased in advance through the CMA Music Festival Ticket Office at the Gaylord Entertainment Center Box Office, 501 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn., or toll-free at 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at (615) 255-9600, at www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket price does not include applicable handling fees.

Single night concert tickets will also be sold during CMA Music Festival at The Coliseum ticket office beginning Wednesday. Th e single night concert ticket is only good for that night's performance at The Coliseum.

Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages

Enjoy great musical performances while relaxing on the bank of the Cumberland River during the Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park. The Daily Concerts feature more than 30 hours of performances covering the entire range of Country Music, from today's rising stars, to the legends, bluegrass, alt. Country and more.

The legendary Charlie Daniels Band kicks off four days of non-stop concerts at the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages on Thursday at 10 AM. Neal McCoy will kick off the Daily Concerts at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 9; Andy Griggs will launch the Daily Concerts at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 10; and The Fox Brothers will crank up the fun at 10:30 AM on Sunday, June 11. But that's just the start of the top-notch entertainment. Over the course of the Festival, more than 120 artists are scheduled to perform.

Artists include Rhett Akins, Jessi Alexander, Rodney Atkins, Steve Azar, Jeff Bates, The Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, BlackHawk, Blue County, Bomshel, Catherine Britt, Lane Brody, Shannon Brown, T. Graham Brown, Luke Bryan, Sonny Burgess, Sarah Buxton, Tracy Byrd, Carolina Rain, Eric Church, Earl Thomas Conley, John Corbett, Cowboy Crush, Amy Dalley, The Charlie Daniels Band, Linda Davis, Deryl Dodd, Katrina Elam, Emerson Drive, Whitney Duncan, Ty England, Erika Jo, Jace Everett, "Ireland's Search for a New Country Star" winner Aileen Flanagan, Jimmy Fortune, The Fox Brothers, Todd Fritsch, Billy Gilman, The Grascals, Andy Griggs, Craig Hand, Ty Herndon, Hot Apple Pie, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Con Hunley, Jack Ingram, Buddy Jewell, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jamey Johnson, Sammy Kershaw, 2006 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner Nick Kingswell, Blaine Larsen, Little Texas, Brice Long, The Lost Trailers, Rockie Lynne, Bobby Marquez, Brian McComas, 2006 CMA Global Artist Award winner Jason McCoy and the RoadHammers, Neal McCoy, Ashley Monroe, Megan Mullins, David Lee Murphy, Gary Nichols, Oak Ridge Boys, Jake Owen, Shane Owens, Danielle Peck, Pinmonkey, Bobby Pinson, Pirates of the Mississippi, PovertyNeck Hillbillies, Jon Randall, Restless Heart, Ray Scott, Rio Grand, Kevin Sharp, Luke Stricklin, Taylor Swift, Keni Thomas, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Trent Tomlinson, Trick Pony, Tanya Tucker, Lane Turner, Jimmy Wayne, Bryan White, Trent Willmon, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley, Chely Wright, Michelle Wright, Billy Yates and the new "Nashville Star" winner Chris Young.

The National Anthem will be sung by Whitney Duncan on Thursday; Joni Harms on Friday, June 9; Carly Goodwin on Saturday, June 10; and Rhonda Towns on Sunday, June 11. Among the hosts scheduled to appear during the Daily Concerts are XM Satellite Radio personality Jon Anthony; singer/songwriter Lane Brody; WKRN-TV (Nashville ABC affiliate) personality Joe Dubin; WSIX Radio (Nashville) personality Slam Duncan; GAC television personality Nan Kelly; Nashville Bureau Chief for Radio & Records and host of the weekly "CMT Country Countdown USA" Lon Helton; WSM Radio/The Wolf (Nashville) personality Karen Keeley; Sirius Satellite Radio personality Scott Lindy; the "Unofficial Mayor of Music Row," Charlie Monk; The Tennessean celebrity reporter Brad Schmitt; WZTV-TV (Nashville FOX affiliate) personality Kelly Sutton; MuzikMafia member Two Foot Fred; GAC "Country Music Across America" television host Storme Warren; and WGKX Radio (Memphis) personalities Young & Elder. Special appearances will also be made by some of the NBC Daytime actors on Saturday afternoon (June 10).

Single-day tickets for the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages will be sold the day of each show at the gate for $14 each. Children 6 and younger are admitted to the Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park free of charge making this a very family-friendly destination during the Festival.

Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall)

A traditional favorite, the lifestyle exhibits and autograph booths in the Nashville Convention Center, proudly carrying the Fan Fair name and sponsored by Wrangler®, are sold out. The Exhibit Hall is only accessible to four-day ticket holders. Artists scheduled to sign autographs include legends, today's hitmakers and tomorrow's hopefuls.

Performers and celebrities scheduled to appear in the Wrangler® Fan Fair include Trace Adkins, Rhett Akins, Jason Aldean, Bill Anderson, Keith Anderson, Rodney Atkins, Steve Azar, Bobby Bare, feature correspondent for "Good Morning America" Mike Barz, Jeff Bates, John Berry, Big & Rich, BlackHawk, Blue County, Brad & Shelly, Catherine Britt, Lane Brody, Sonny Burgess, Gary Burr, Burrito Deluxe, Chris Cagle, Jeff Carson, Marshall Chapman, Eric Church, CMT personality Katie Cook, Brad Cotter, Cowboy Crush, Cowboy Troy, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kassie DePaiva, Little Jimmy Dickens, Deryl Dodd, Eli Young Band, Emerson Drive, Ty England, Robin English, Erika Jo, Todd Fritsch, David Frizell, Karen Taylor Good, Vern Gosdin, The Grascals, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Ty Herndon, Jan Howard, Con Hunley, Kyle Jennings, Buddy Jewell, Jamey Johnson, Zona Jones, Sage Keffer, Mary Ann Kennedy, Rachel Kice, Royal Wade Kimes, The Larkins, Shannon Lawson, Little Texas, Brice Long, Rockie Lynne, Daniel Lee Ma rtin, Aimee Mayo, Lila McCann, Brian McComas, Neal McCoy, Memarie, Jo Dee Messina, Mista D, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, Megan Mullins, David Lee Murphy, NBC Daytime Stars, Gary Nichols, Gary Nicholson, Jamie O'Neal, James Otto, Shane Owens, Michael Peterson, Bobby Pinson, Povertyneck Hillbillies, Rachel Proctor, Wellpatch® Pain Relieving Pads spokesperson John Ratzenberger, Pam Rose, Sawyer Brown, Ray Scott, Jeannie Seely, Kevin Sharp, Victoria Shaw, Jean Shepard, Daryle Singletary, CMT personality Lance Smith, Luke Stricklin, Taylor Swift, Jay Teter, Mel Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Trent Tomlinson, Trick Pony, Trini Triggs, Tanya Tucker, Lane Turner, Two Foot Fred, Van Zant, Rhonda Vincent, Porter Wagoner, Clay Walker, The Well Hungarians, Bryan White, Trent Willmon, The World's Greatest Fishing Band, Darryl Worley, Chely Wright and Kyle Wyley.

Acoustic Corner

CMA Music Festival's Acoustic Corner offers independent bluegrass and Country artists a place to showcase their talent. Acoustic Corner is open from 11:00 AM to 3:15 PM daily on level two of the Nashville Convention Center in Room 209 and is free for all four-day ticket holders. Artist performance times will be posted on-site daily.

Artists scheduled to perform include Curtis Alan, Bernadette, Josh Brister, Eddie Bush, Will Clements, Austin Cody, Brad Cotter, Justin David, Kassie DePaiva, Carly Goodwin, Chris Gray, Kyle Jennings, Miko Marks, Daniel Lee Martin, Lee McCormack, Kristen McNamara, Ken Mellons, Amanda Pearce, Damon Smith, Jay Teter, Tresa Street, Rhonda Towns, The Well Hungarians and Kyle Wyley.

Free Sports Zone

The popular Sports Zone has moved to a new location in 2006, taking residence in the parking lot between Third and Fourth Avenues (next to the new Schemmerhorn Symphony Hall and across the street from the Family Zone), although a few select activities will take place in other locations (listed below). The Sports Zone is open from 11:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT during CMA Music Festival. Admission to the Sports Zone is free to the public.

On Thursday, June 8, "The Fifth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament," sponsored by RealTree® and Yamaha Motor Corp., USA®, will be held beginning at 4:30 PM at Lot R on the grounds of The Coliseum. In addition to Griggs, Rhett Akins, Tracy Byrd, Troy Gentry (of Montgomery Gentry), Daniel Lee Martin, John Michael Montgomery, Blake Shelton, Rusty Tabor, Neil Thrasher, Aaron Tippin and Bryan White are confirmed to compete. RealTree's Michael Waddell will emcee the event.

Fans will want to arrive early. Prior to the start of the Archery Tournament at 4:15 PM/CT, the U.S. Navy Parachute Team "Leap Frogs" will perform a show spotlighting their skills as they parachute into the Coliseum parking lot. The U.S. Navy Parachute Team is a 15-man group comprised entirely of U.S. Navy SEAL and SWCC commandos. Each member comes to the team from a three-year tour from one of the two Naval Special Warfare Groups located on the East and West coasts. On completion of the tour, members will return to operational units.

Also on Thursday, some of today's hottest NASCAR Busch Series Drivers will be signing autographs in the Sports Zone from 3:30-5:00 PM/CT. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Aaron Fike (No. 33 KHI Chevrolet), David Green (No. 27 Kleenex), Burney Lamar (No. 77 Dollar General Chevrolet) and other drivers during this session.

On Friday, June 9, "The Steve Azar Celebrity Sports Challenge," presented by On The Run and Exxon®, will be held in the Sports Zone from 2:00-4:00 PM/CT. An amazing array of sports champions and celebrities will compete along with Azar in this unique event, including Dave Archer (former NFL quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins); Terry Ahola (U.S. Olympic Ski Team member); Drew Bennett (NFL wide receiver with the Tennessee Titans); Steve Beuerlein (former NFL quarterback with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Carolina Panthers, and current game analyst for the NFL); Luke Clausen (FLW Outdoors professional angler); Steve Col e (former NFL linebacker with the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles); John Daly (legendary PGA golfer); Jace Everett (Sony BMG recording artist); Craig Hentrich (NFL punter with the Tennessee Titans and two-time Pro-Bowler); Jim Kelly (former NFL quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and NFL Hall of Fame member); Steve Lundquist (two-time U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist in swimming); Jim McMahon (two-time Super Bowl champion and former NFL quarterback with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers); Gino Torretta (Heisman Trophy Winner with the Miami Hurricanes and former NFL quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks); Gary Valentine (actor on "The King of Queens" show on the CBS Television Network); and Chris Young (Sony BMG recording artist and the 2006 winner of "Nashville Star"). A special guest cheerleading squad will lead the cheers throughout the event. Azar himself assembled this outstanding collection of athletes and celebrities.

Saturday, June 10, features "The Craig M organ FLW Outdoors Fishing Tournament." Anglers confirmed to participate include Luke Clausen, George Cochran, Anthony Gagliardi, Chad Grigsby, Jason Knapp, Jeremiah Kindy, Larry Nixon, Wesley Strader, David Walker, and Clark Wendlandt. These anglers will team with Morgan and other Country Music artists including Don Harris, Jamey Johnson, Tresa Jordan, Daniel Lee Martin, Lila McCann and more to fish for the biggest catch on area lakes. The weigh-in will take place at 6:30 PM/CT on the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park (which is accessible only by four-day and single-day ticket buyers).

Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Series, Stren Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail, Stratos Owners' Tournament Trail, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye League, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series, and Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series. These circuits offer combined purses exceeding $36.9 million through 241 events in 2006. FLW Outdoors also recently announced the addition of a striped bass circuit, which will debut this summer.

Fans will have the opportunity to meet some of today's top anglers in person when they sign autographs Thursday and Friday (June 9-10) in the FLW Outdoors booth at the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall).

K-9's in Flight, presented by ZenPuppy, will also be featured on Saturday, June 10, with three performances (11:30 AM-12:30 PM; 1:30-2:30 PM; and 3:30-4:30 PM, all times Central). John Misita and his amazing K-9's are the premier Frisbee dog entertainers in the world with a show full of cutting edge, high-flying acrobatics. Misita adopted all of his dogs, and their show promotes the importance of pet adoption and healthcare. During the last 10 years, Misita and his dogs have performed in more than 150 cities in North America and have appeared on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, HBO, "Jerry Lewis Telethon," MTV and more.

Sunday, June 11, spotlights "The Michael Peterson/New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race" from 1:00-3:00 PM. Country Music artists and celebrities will race against the clock through an obstacle course on a New Holland compact tractor. A New Holland Boomer compact tractor will be signed by all participating celebrities and auctioned off at a later date on eBay, with proceeds to be divided between the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and to the winner's charity of choice. Participants include Rhett Akins; Deborah Allen; Bering Strait; Billy Block (host of Billy Block's Western Beat show); Woody Bradshaw; Bekka Bramlett; The Honorable William J. Chatfield; Stacey David; Ira Dean of Trick Pony; Diamond Rio; actor Alan Dysert; Jace Everett; actor MJ Garrett; actor Scott Getlin; Wade Hayes; Craig Hentrich (NFL punter with the Tennessee Titans); Janet Ivey (creator of "Janet's Planets"); Nikki Landry; Kassie Miller; Robert K Oermann (Country Music historian); singer/songwriter Bobby Pi nson; singer/songwriter Colt Prather; Daryle Singletary; Tanya Tucker; actress Mandy Weaver; Bryan White and singer/songwriter Billy Yates.

Throughout the four days, artists will perform on the CMT Stage at the Sports Zone. Among the artists performing this year are the Alvarado Road Show, Paulette Carlson, Eli Young Band, Greg Hanna, Joni Harms, Hometown News, Natalie Howard, Zona Jones, Sage Keffer, Joey Martin, Matt Mason, Danni O'Neill, Michael Peterson, and John Stone.

The Sports Zone will host many activities and displays throughout the Festival. The MLB Road Show is a free interactive baseball experience where fans can test their skills in batting and pitching cages or play the latest baseball video game releases in state-of-the-art gaming stations. While there, sports enthusiasts can also check out the MLB Authentic Collection, the exclusive jerseys, headwear and outerwear identical to what is worn by players on all 30 Major League Baseball clubs. Fans can also test their flight skills in the U.S. Navy flight simulators; try out the FLW Outdoors boat simulator; sign up for a free test run on the Cumberland River from Ranger Boats; and much more. Additional exhibitors include Bridgestone Firestone; Coyote Ugly; Dave & Busters; Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt; New Holland Tractors; Nicorette Gum; On the Run and Exxon; Sound & Speed; Yamaha Motor Corp.,USA; and ZenPuppy.

Free Family Zone

Introduced in 2001, this popular free CMA Music Festival area, designed for young children and the young at heart, continues to grow in 2006. The Family Zone is open from 11:00 AM-5:00 PM each day. It is conveniently located at the Hall of Fame Park at Fifth Avenue and Demonbreun Street, behind the Hilton Suites Hotel.

At the Family Zone, kids can climb on inflatables and participate in interactive games, face painting, arts and crafts, and more, while everyone can enjoy the exhibits, displays, food sampling and giveaways from Hungry Jack®, JIF®, Martha White®, Pillsbury®, and Smuckers®.

Thursday, June 8, will be "Safety Day" in the Family Zone. The Metro Nashville Police Department will be on site with an information booth and the Davidson County Sheriff's Office will offer fingerprinting services for children. The Metro Nashville Fire Department will present "Hazard House," an interactive exhibit showcasing fire safety tips. Friday, June 9, will be "Health and Wellness Day," with activities and exhibits designed to encourage exercise and healthy diet.

Lassie, America's most beloved pet and Hollywood legend since 1943, known for her 11 movies and 691 TV episodes, will be making her CMA Music Festival debut this year with an appearance at Family Zone on Friday, June 9, from 12:30-2:00 PM, where she will meet her fans and pose for photos. Lassie is on a cross-country tour promoting pet health and Lassie Natural Way, a new natural food, biscuit and treat line for dogs. She returns to the big screen this fall in "Lassie Come Home," a remake of the original 1943 film, which was shot in the United Kingdom last year.

Fans can visit the Crisco® Country Favorites Corner, which features cookie, chef hat and cupcake decorating; cooking demonstrations with Chef Steven Raichlen of Barbeque University; and more. The Crisco® Family Picnic will be held from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM on Sunday, June 11, featuring a free lunch for the first 500 attendees. The meal will be made from recipes found in the Crisco® Country Favorites Cookbook. Also on Sunday (12:05 PM) in the Crisco® Country Favorites Corner, MCA recording artists Hot Apple Pie will host a special contest. Artists to join in the fun with Cookie and Cupcake decorating include Kate Russell, Lynn Bryant, Aaron Kelly and more.

Continuing a tradition of music everywhere you turn, the Family Zone will feature several performances including Cerrito, Aaron Kelly, Kelsey, Chase Mitchell, N 2 Motion Dance Troop, Rissi Palmer, Joel Reese "The Singing Cowboy," Greg Sterling, and Texana.

Also on the Family Zone stage, Crisco® presents Chef Jon Ashton, who will give cooking demonstrations with Brad Cotter, Lila McCann, Rhonda Vincent and other Country Music artists at 11:30 AM-12:30 PM and 3:30-4:30 PM on Thursday, June 8, and Friday, June 9. Kids will enjoy "Story Time With Hungry Jack®" from 1:00-1:30 PM, on Thursday, June 8.

Saturday, June 10, the Family Zone will host "The YW Celebrity Auction with Martina McBride," presented by Verizon Wireless. Proceeds from the event support the programs of the YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, which include domestic violence services, youth job preparation, and adult job readiness programs. In 22 years The YW Celebrity Auction has raised more than $750,000. Registration begins at 8:30 AM, with bidding from 10:30 AM-3:00 PM. Beginning at 9:30 AM, fans will have the opportunity to purchase grab bags filled with posters, CDs and promotional material for $10. In addition to McBride, other celebrities appearing at the auction will include Blue County, Jay Teter, Jimmy Wayne, Trent Willmon, and Chely Wright.

While in the Family Zone, fans can take a break from the heat in the Dasani® Cool Zone, before checking out the exhibitor booths from Bunny Bread®, Chick-Fil-A®, Office Depot®, Purity® Dairies, TGI Fridays® and more.

Free Fun Zone

Around the corner from both the Family Zone and the Sports Zone is the Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First and Second Avenues. The free Fun Zone is open from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM all four days of CMA Music Festival, and features interactive games, activities, celebrity appearances, product samples, giveaways and much more.

Travis Kvapil, driver for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series No. 32 Tide/Downy Super 8 Chevrolet, will be on hand to meet his fans and pose for photos. The Super 8 race car will also be on display, as well as other Chevy cars and trucks.

Throughout the week, fans will have an opportunity to meet the GEICO® Gecko; shake it in a Gillette Venus Vibrance® Dance Contest; play games on the Coca-Cola® Interactive Video Game Truck; get a Prilosec OTC® Heartburn Screening, perform karaoke and take a picture in front of the No. 31 Prilosec OTC race car; and check out a Camping World® RV display. They can also visit booths from Advil®, Greased Lightning®, Mr. Coffee®, Sharpie®, Tennessee Education Lottery®, and WellPatch® Pain Relieving Pads and more for samples, prizes and more fun.

CMA Celebrity Close Up

The CMA Celebrity Close Up was created to provide another avenue for artist/fan interaction - a signature element of the event. Celebrities will answer fan questions in a forum moderated by GAC television personality Lorianne Crook, discussing their lives, careers and a sneak peak at the future. Held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, two sessions are scheduled for this year.

Session One: Thursday, June 8 from 4:30-6:00 PM, with Cowboy Troy, Lonestar, Phil Vassar and Jamie O'Neal.

Session Two: Friday, June 9 from 4:30-6:00 PM with Diamond Rio's Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander and Dan Truman; John Corbett; and Josh Gracin.

The CMA Celebrity Close Up series is a separately ticketed event. Tickets are $12 in advance or $17 the day of the event. They can be purchased by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Fans can also logon to www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Ryman Auditorium Box Office to purchase tickets. The CMA Celebrity Close Up series will be taped by GAC for a future television broadcast.

CMA Music Festival After HoursT

When the lights go down on The Coliseum's Nightly Concerts, the festivities are just beginning at 13 Downtown clubs and lounges, as CMA Music Festival After HoursT gets underway. Food and beverage specials, live entertainment and special events are just a few items on the After Hours menu.

Clubs participating in CMA Music Festival After HoursT include Bailey's Pub and Grille; B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant; Coyote Ugly Saloon; Layla's Bluegrass Inn; Legends Corner; Nashville Crossroads; Rippy's Smokin' Bar and Grill; Robert's Western World; Ryman Auditorium; Second Fiddle; The Stage on Broadway; Tootsies Orchid Lounge; and Wildhorse Saloon. Each club develops its own entertainment schedule and admission policies.

"Days of our Lives" and "Passions"

NBC Daytime and CMA continue their successful partnership for the sixth consecutive year with stars from NBC's hit daytime dramas "Days of our Lives" and "Passions" appearing at the festival. The actors from "Days of our Lives" will include Darin Brooks ("Max Brady"); Christie Clark ("Carrie Brady"); Bryan Dattilo ("Lucas Roberts"); Rachel Melvin ("Chelsea Benson"); and Alison Sweeney ("Sami Brady"). Five additional actors from "Passions" will be joining them, including Adrian Bellani ("Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald); Galen Gering ("Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald"); Emily Harper ("Fancy Crane"); Heidi Mueller ("Kay Bennett"); and Mark Wystrach ("'Fox' Crane").

The NBC Daytime Stars will appear in the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall), where they will meet their fans and sign autographs. They will also make several appearances throughout the event including the Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning® Riverfront Stages and the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum. But, their most anticipated appearance will be "The Sixth Annual NBC Daytime After HoursT Party" at the Wildhorse Saloon at 11:00 PM, Saturday, June 10 (a separate ticket is required). During the event, the actors will showcase their musical talents and interact with fans. Special musical guest Montgomery Gentry will rev up the party. Tickets are $25 in advance and are available by visiting the Wildhorse Saloon box office, going to any Ticketmaster outlet, or logging on to www.ticketmaster.com.

Parking

A limited number of on-site, pay parking spots ($8 per vehicle) will be available each night at The Coliseum in Lots E and F, just across the Woodland Street Bridge. This parking lot is not available for pre-purchase. It is available for purchase on-site, on a first-come, first-serve basis after 5:00 PM on Thursday and Friday; and all day Saturday and Sunday. Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are also available in Downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to The Coliseum via the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Gray Line Satellite Shuttle Service

Satellite shuttle service from the outlying area of Nashville (Casino Depot at Music Valley Village) to CMA Music Festival events Downtown are available from Gray Line Satellite Shuttle - the official shuttle service of CMA Music Festival. Cost for this shuttle service is $50 for a four-day pass (Thursday-Sunday, June 8-11) and $60 for a five-day pass (Wednesday-Sunday, June 7-11).

One-day satellite shuttle passes are available ON SITE ONLY for $15. To purchase a multiple-day pass, please call 1-800-251-1864 or (615) 883-5555 or visit www.graylinenashville.com for more information.

Shopping

CMA Music Festival attendees can treasure the experience long after the event is over with merchandise purchased at this year's Festival.

CMA Music Festival products will be available onsite during the four-day music extravaganza through Music City Merchandise. Booths will be set up at the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall); Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park; Family Zone; and The Coliseum. Additionally, merchandise will be available at the Gaylord Entertainment Center on Wednesday and Thursday, June 7-8, during registration hours. Merchandise is subject to availability. CMA Music Festival stores and store locations are subject to change without notice. For complete, merchandise information or to order online, visit www.CMAfest.com.

Attendees can also purchase music on-site. Tower Records will have music stores set up at the Nashville Convention Center, The Coliseum and Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park.

2006 Ticket Packages Still Available

A limited number of four-day ticket packages for 2006 CMA Music Festival are available. The package categories correspond to a different level of reserved seating at The Coliseum. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum; Daily Concerts the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; Family Zone; Crisco® Country Favorites Corner; Fun Zone; Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops and more. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices and artists are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.

A limited number of four-day parking passes for The Coliseum are available by phone order only. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The price is $28 for cars; $60 for vans/shuttles; and $120 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at The Coliseum must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.

2007 CMA Music Festival Tickets

2007 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in Downtown Nashville. Tickets for 2007 CMA Music Festival will be available for sale only in Nashville on Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11, from 9:30 AM-6:00 PM at the Gaylord Entertainment Center Box Office, 501 Broadway; and from 9:30 AM till the end of the Nightly Concerts Saturday, June 10, and noon till the end of the Nightly Concerts Sunday, June 11, at The Coliseum Box Office.

Tickets for the 2007 CMA Music Festival will go on-sale nationwide Monday, June 12, at 10:00 AM/CT.

To order, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of reserved seating at The Coliseum. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE.

2007 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUR-DAY TICKET PACKAGE PRICES

LEVEL ADULT 12 & YOUNGER

Gold Circle (Floor) $260 n/a

Floor Level $155 $110

Lower Level $135 $ 95

Club Level $125 $ 86

Gold Circle (Floor) includes center stage reserved floor seating with great views of both stages; exclusive wait staff offering convenient food and beverage service at your seat; and preferential parking at The Coliseum (one complimentary pass per order). Limit four tickets per order. Gold Circle (Floor) seats sold out quickly in 2006. Order early for best seating.

ABC Television Special - Monday, July 24

As previously announced, the CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour television special scheduled to air on the ABC Television Network Monday, July 24 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET). Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Gary Halvorson is the Director. This is the second year the special has aired on ABC. The primetime special debuted on the CBS Television Network in 2004.

Both the concerts and the interaction between the artists and fans will be captured in the special with heart-pounding performances interspersed with heart-warming encounters between the artists and their avid admirers. Taped exclusively for the special, cameras will follow the stories of several festival attendees, who will have their dreams come true when they are granted a surprise, one-in-a-lifetime meeting and personal encounter with their favorite Country stars.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artists appearing and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy, an American Revolution, is the official ride of the 2006 CMA Music Festival. Promotional partners include Chick-Fil-A®, Coca-Cola®, Crisco®, FLW Outdoors®, Greased Lightning®, Major League Baseball®, New Holland®, Office Depot®, Prilosec OTC®, Purity® Dairies, Super 8®, Tennessee Education Lottery Corp®., TGI Fridays®, WellPatch® Pain Relieving Pads, and Wrangler®. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.

Smucker's®, JIF®, Crisco®, Hungry Jack®, and Martha White® are registered trademarks of The J.M. Smucker Company. Pillsbury® and the Barrelhead logo are trademarks of The Pillsbury Company.

June 7, 2006