Countdown To 2005 CMA Music Festival
By Scott Stem
CMA Music Festival is the place for music lovers this week beginning at 9:30 AM Thursday morning when the first ever CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade begins at Broadway and Sixth Avenue South and culminates at the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park with the Festival's lead off performance by Montgomery Gentry at 10 AM. The celebration doesn't stop, with concerts and activities happening throughout the four days, until the closing fireworks Sunday night at The Coliseum.
CMA Music Festival is "Country Music's Biggest Party(tm)" with more than 400 Country Music artists and celebrities appearing; more than 70 hours of concerts; four days of autograph signing in the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall); the return of the NBC Daytime stars; the CMA Celebrity Close Up series at the Ryman Auditorium; the Sports Zone with the BASS Anglers and Artists Tournament, Chevy "All Access Music Tour" Stage, Fourth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament, Tracy Byrd Golf Challenge, Albert Haynesworth and Friends Cars of Stars Show, and more; activities for the whole family in both the Bush's® Baked Beans Family Zone and the Fun Zone; nightlife for the party hearty during CMA Music Festival After Hours(tm); shopping and more. CMA Music Festival continues to evolve as the must-do, musical event of the year for any Country Music enthusiast.
"CMA Music Festival is fast becoming a world-class event, mixing music stars with celebrities from sports and television," said Ed Benson, CMA Executive Director. "This uniquely-Nashville event celebrating America's music is enjoyed by thousands of visitors from across the nation and around the globe."
All of 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 gratitude of their continued support, CMA donates half the net proceeds from the event to charities designated by the participating artists as part of CMA's "Cause For Celebration!" charitable benefit program. In 2004, 241 artists selected 94 separate charities as beneficiaries of the program. To date, CMA has donated $400,000 on behalf of the artists.
The donations are appreciated, but at its heart, CMA Music Festival is - and always will be - about the fans and their relationship with the artists and celebrities. And in 2005, they are coming from every state and more than 20 foreign countries including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The Coliseum
The Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum (home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans) are a music lover's dream featuring many of the biggest names in Country Music together with some of the hottest, rising stars including Trace Adkins; Jeff Bates; Dierks Bentley; Big & Rich (with a special guest appearance by Cowboy Troy); Diamond Rio; Sara Evans; Josh Gracin; Andy Griggs; Alan Jackson; Miranda Lambert; Jo Dee Messina; Craig Morgan; Joe Nichols; Dolly Parton and The Grascals; Rascal Flatts; Julie Roberts; Kenny Rogers; Sawyer Brown; SHeDAISY; Blake Shelton; Sugarland; Trick Pony; Travis Tritt; Keith Urban; Phil Vassar with special guest "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood; Gretchen Wilson; Lee Ann Womack; Wynonna; and Trisha Yearwood.
Pre-show activities begin at 7:30 PM (all times Central), Thursday, with the presentation of the Stars and Stripes by the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station Nashville Color Guard. In addition, Cowboy Crush will perform "He's Coming Home" in honor of the U.S. military forces and Jamie O'Neal will perform the national anthem.
Thursday night's concert will be hosted by NASCAR Busch Series driver Martin Truex, Jr. with TNA Wrestling's Jeff Jarrett. Friday night's concert will be hosted by the NBC Daytime Stars of "Days of our Lives" and "Passions" along with NASCAR Nextel Cup star Kyle Petty (driver of the Georgia Pacific/Brawny car No. 45).
The Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum begin each night at 8 PM, and feature non-stop entertainment with state-of-the-art production on dual stages and fireworks at the conclusion of each show.
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 Thursday. The 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, Texas swing, alt. Country and more.
Superstars Montgomery Gentry kick off four-days of non-stop concerts at the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages on Thursday at 10 AM. But that's just the start of the top-notch entertainment. Over the Festival's four days, more than 120 artists will perform.
Artists include Jason Aldean; Jessi Alexander; Bill Anderson; Keith Anderson; Jessica Andrews; Steve Azar; David Ball; Tori Baxley; Bellamy Brothers; John Berry; Blue County; Paul Brandt (who will receive the 2005 CMA Global Country Artist Award during his performance); Catherine Britt; Lane Brody; Jim Ed Brown; T. Graham Brown; Melonie Cannon; George Canyon; Carolina Rain; Elizabeth Cook; Cowboy Crush; Cowboy Troy; The Crabb Family; Glenn Cummings; Billy Ray Cyrus; Amy Dalley; Joey Daniels; Linda Davis; Amber Dotson; Emerson Drive; "Nashville Star" 2005 winner Erika Jo; Jace Everett; Shelly Fairchild; Fanny Grace; Kevin Fowler; David Frizzell; Earl Gains and Band featuring Johnny Jones and Bobby Hebb; Billy Gilman; The Grascals; Hanna-McEuen; Eric Heatherly; Ty Herndon; Hilljack; Steve Holy; Hometown News; Hot Apple Pie; Rebecca Lynn Howard; Jedd Hughes; Con Hunley; Buddy Jewell; Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Jill King; Blaine La rsen; Julie Lee; Aaron Lines; Little Big Town; Little Texas; Bill Lloyd and Friends; Brice Long; Lauren Lucas; Malibu Storm; Lila McCann; Neal McCoy; Mel McDaniel; Justin McGurk (winner of Ireland's "Search for a New Country Star" competition televised on RTE TV1); Lorrie Morgan; David Lee Murphy; Oak Ridge Boys; Jamie O'Neal; Danni O'Neill; The Pajama Party (Deborah Allen, Anita Cochran and Tammy Cochran); Derryl Perry; Michael Peterson; Bobby Pinson; Jon Randall; Carmen Rasmusen (from "American Idol 2"); Eddy Raven; Restless Heart; Ray Scott; Kevin Sharp; T.G. Sheppard; Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand; Craig Sellers; Alyece Simmonds (the Australian winner of the 2004 Telstra Road to Tamworth/CMA Global Artist Talent Search); Connie Smith; Jeffrey Steele; Doug Stone; John Stone; Keni Thomas; Mel Tillis; Pam Tillis; Aaron Tippin; Wayne Warner; Jimmy Wayne; Brittany Wells; The Wilkinsons; Trent Willmo n; Mark Wills; Bryan White; Chely Wright; Michelle Wright; and The Wrights.
The concerts are hosted by a variety of celebrities and media personalities, including journalist Pat Embry; Great American Country (GAC) television personality Kylie Harris; syndicated radio host Lon Helton of Westwood One's "CMT Country Countdown USA;" syndicated radio reporter Donna Hughes of MJI Programming; Sirius Satellite Radio's Scott Lindy; the honorary "Mayor of Music Row" Charlie Monk; music journalist and television personality Robert K. Oermann; co-host of "Tennessee Mornings" on WZTV-TV, Kelly Sutton; host of GAC's "Country Music Across America" Storme Warren; syndicated radio reporter Becca Walls of United Stations Radio Networks; and the NBC Daytime Stars of "Days of our Lives" and "Passions." Also hosting segments are Jim Mantel and Michelle Maloney from WGAR Radio (Cleveland, OH); Cadillac Jack from WKHX Radio (Atlanta, GA); Mike Wheless, Heather Green, and Mike Raley from WQDR Radio (Raleigh, NC); and Rob Tanner from WSOC Radio (Charlotte, NC).
Single-day tickets for the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages will be sold the day of 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.
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. 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; Jessi Alexander; Bill Anderson; Jessica Andrews; Steve Azar; David Ball; Jeff Bates; Tori Baxley; Dierks Bentley; John Berry; Blue County; Catherine Britt; Bush's® Baked Beans spokesduo Jay Bush and his dog Duke; Tracy Byrd; Brad Cotter; Billy Currington; Amy Dalley; Linda Davis; Billy Dean; Kassie DePaiva; Amber Dotson; Donna Fargo; Janie Fricke; Billy Gilman; Vern Gosdin, The Grascals; Andy Griggs; Hanna-McEuen; Eric Heatherly; Hot Apple Pie; Con Hunley; Buddy Jewell; Cledus T. Judd; David Kersh; Royal Wade Kimes; Miranda Lambert; Blaine Larsen; Aaron Lines; Little Big Town; Little Texas; John Arthur Martinez; Lila McCann; Neal McCoy; Jo Dee Messina; Craig Morgan; Michael Martin Murphey; David Lee Murphy; MuzikMafia members Cowboy Troy, painter Rachel Kice, Shannon Lawson, Max on the Sax, James Ott o, Pinot and Two Foot Fred; the NBC Daytime Stars of "Days of our Lives" and "Passions;" Jamie O'Neal; Bobby Pinson; Jon Randall; Carmen Rasmusen (of "American Idol 2"); Julie Roberts; Sawyer Brown; Kevin Sharp; Blake Shelton; T.G. Sheppard; Marthia Sides (of CMT's "Popularity Contest"); Daryle Singletary; Sugarland; Jay Teter; Aaron Tippin; Trini Triggs; Tanya Tucker; Phil Vassar; Jett Williams; Trent Willmon; Darryl Worley; The Wrights; and Billy Yates.
Additional artists appearing in the Wrangler® Fan Fair include Curtis Alan; Suzanne Edwards Alford; Bernadette; Bonnie Lou Bishop; Brad & Shelly; Josh Brister; Lane Brody; Jerry Burkhart; Eddie Bush; Don Campbell; Kim Cargill; Will Clements; Candace Crain & The Rebels; Glenn Cummings; James Taylor Curtis and the Silver Eagle Band; Joey Daniels; Thom Ellis; Forty5 South; Carly Goodwin; Chris Gray; O.J. Hanssen; Joni Harms; Harris n Forrest; HIP Kitty; Kyle Jennings; Zona Jones; Sage Keffer; Kelsey; Jill King; Kelly Lang; Daniel Lee Martin; Lee McCormack; Phillip McCurry; Memarie; Moore & Moore; Lisa O'Kane; Paul Pace; Amanda Perko; Reunionaires; Brittany Roe; Sammy Sadler; Michael Scott; Sisters Wade; Damon Smith; Tresa Street; Shane Warner; Well Hungarians; World's Greatest Fishing Band; Kyle Wyley; and Chris Young.
Acoustic Corner offers independent bluegrass and Country artists a place to showcase their talent. Acoustic Corner is open from 10:30 AM to 3:30 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.
Performers include Curtis Alan; Suzanne Edwards Alford; Bernadette; Josh Brister; Eddie Bush; Don Campbell; Will Clements; Candace Crain and the Rebels; Kassie DePaiva; Thom Ellis; Carly Goodwin; Chris Gray; Ryan Holladay Band; Kyle Jennings; Sage Keffer; Lime Hollow Boys; Daniel Lee Martin; Lee McCormack; Memarie; Lance Miller; Amanda Perko; Sisters Wade; Damon Smith; Tresa Street; Jay Teter; Well Hungarians; Kyle Wyley; and Chris Young.
Admittance to the Wrangler® Fan Fair and Acoustic Corner is included in four-day ticket packages only. Artist schedules and appearances are subject to change.
CMA Music Festival Kick Off Parade
New in 2005, the CMA Music Festival Kick Off Parade will be on Thursday, June 9, at 9:30 AM. The Parade will start at Broadway and Sixth Avenue South and move down Broadway towards Riverfront Park, in time for the 10 AM launch of the Daily Concerts. The parade will feature artists; including Brad Cotter, Cowboy Troy, Cowboy Crush and Lila McCann; NASCAR Busch Series driver Boston Reid (driver of the #51 Lowe's Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports); NASCAR Busch Series show cars; and Chevy automobiles. The Parade is free to the public.
CMA Sports Zone
From pucks to arrows, hooks to footballs, the Sports Zone is the place for sports and music enthusiasts alike during CMA Music Festival. Located on the grounds of The Coliseum at the foot of the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, the Sports Zone is free, open to the public and has something for everyone.
On Thursday, June 9, some of today's hottest NASCAR Busch Series Drivers will be signing autographs in the Sports Zone from 4:30 - 5:30 PM. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Clint Bowyer (driver of the No. 2 AC Delco Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing); Brandon Miller (driver of the No. 21 Reese's Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing); Tony Raines (driver of the No. 33 Yard-Man/Outdoor Channel Chevrolet for Kevin Harvick, Inc.); and Boston Reid (driver of the No. 5 Lowe's Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports).
The "Fourth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament" is always a hit with fans. The event takes place at 4 PM on Thursday, and is hosted by Andy Griggs and emceed by Outdoor Channel personality Dave Watson. The tournament shooters include Rhett Akins; Tracy Byrd; Greg Cook (of Ricochet); Linda Davis; Troy Gentry (of Montgomery Gentry); Gary Levox (of Rascal Flatts); Daniel Lee Martin; Craig Morgan; Paul Overstreet; Daryle Singletary; the Outdoor Channel's Rusty Tabor; Keni Thomas; songwriter Neil Thrasher (last year's winner); Aaron Tippin; and Lee Ann Womack.
New this year, The T.G.I. Friday's Sports Challenge will take place on Friday, June 10, from 4-5 PM. The competition will include a variety of games including basketball, football, golf, soccer and more. Steve Azar; Eddie Bush; Brad Cotter; Glenn Cummings; Forty5 South; Alicia Nugent; Danni O'Neill; Marthia Sides (of CMT's "Popularity Contest"); Chalee Tennison; Jay Teter; Lane Turner; Mandy "Mary Ann" Weaver ( from TBS' "The Real Gilligan's Island"); and Mark Wills will be paired with professional athletes and celebrities including former Cleveland Brown/Philadelphia Eagle Steve Cole; Craig Hentrich of the Tennessee Titans; former WWE Champion and current Smackdown Superstar JBL; actress Karri Turner ("JAG"); Wes Stephens of the Nashville Kats and more.
Bass fishing's leading anglers will be paired with Country Music's biggest stars in the BASS Anglers and Artists Tournament that concludes with an exciting weigh-in on the Bassmaster Tour Stage at 3:30 PM on Saturday. BASS anglers competing include Stephen Browning; Ken Cook; Paul Elias; Doug Garrett; Robert Hamilton; Brett Hite; Jay Kendrick; Jimmy Mason; Ray Sedgwick and Thad Takes. Country artists already confirmed include Jason Aldean; Kenny Beard; Jeff Carson; Amber Dotson; Porter Howell (of Little Texas); Tresa Jordan; David Kersh; Lila McCann and Chalee Tennison. Fans should also check out the Bassmaster(tm) University where BASS Pros will be revealing their secrets for great fishing.
On Sunday, June 12, car enthusiasts will want to steer into the Albert Haynesworth and Friends Cars of Stars Show from 2-7 PM. This is the first CMA Music Festival event for Haynesworth, a defensive tackle of the Tennessee Titans. Kix Brooks (of Brooks & Dunn), Brad Hopkins (of the Tennessee Titans) and Jon Randall are among the artists whose cars will be on display.
Also new this year is the Tracy Byrd Golf Challenge, which takes place on Sunday, June 12 at 3:30 PM. Byrd and several of his celebrity friends, including Brad Cotter; David Kersh; and Chalee Tennison, as well as Albert Haynesworth and Brad Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans, will participate in golf chipping, putting challenges and demonstrations. PGA Golf Pros Scott Armstrong; Doug Curtiss from the Hermitage Golf Course; Brian Jorgenson from the Nashville Golf and Athletic Club; Matt O'Dell from the Brentwood Country Club; Greg Robison from Yamaha Golf Cars; and Stan Smoot from Harpeth Valley Golf Center will also participate as well as give golf tips.
Musical performances will happen on the Chevy "All Access Music Tour" Stage on Thursday from 6-7 PM; and Friday-Sunday from 5:30- 6:30 PM. Among the artists scheduled to perform are Forty5 South; The Great Divide; Pirates of the Mississippi; Sammy Sadler; Victor Sanz; Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand; Lane Turner; and Billy Yates. The Chevy "All Access Music Tour" celebrates the unbreakable bond between the music we love and the cars we love to drive and features priceless "backstage" music memorabilia and interactive games at which attendees can win fun, valuable prizes. Visitors also have the chance to check out the cars that inspire the stars, such as the Chevy SSR, the all-new HHR and the legendary Silverado.
Throughout the four-day event there will be special appearances from TNA Wrestlers including Abyss; America's Most Wanted ("Wildcat" Chris Harris and "Cowboy" James Storm); Jeff Jarrett; Chase Stevens; and Traci. Also appearing will be the Premiere Cheerleading and Dance, home of the Tennessee All-Stars (42-time National Cheerleading Champions).
In addition, NASCAR Show Cars will be on display, promoting the Jan. 2006 Sound & Speed(tm) event at the Gaylord Entertainment Center. Sound & Speed will feature the annual introduction of the 2006 NASCAR car paint schemes, drivers, teams, sponsors and more. The event will also feature a major concert. The Sound & Speed event will benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum as well as Victory Road Junction, a kids program started and supported by numerous NASCAR drivers including Kyle Petty.
For more family fun, hop on the interactive inflatables; play the latest video games at the Coca-Cola Video Game Truck; see NASCAR driver Stacy Compton's No. 59 interactive race car, sponsored by Bush's® Baked Beans; and test your skills in a Nashville Predators interactive hockey game. On Friday and Saturday, cast away for a birdie as golf and fishing collide in a new game called ParFishing.
The Sports Zone is open Thursday and Friday from 3-7 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 2-7 PM. The area, which is free to the public, is easily accessible on The Coliseum grounds from the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, which connects to Downtown Nashville.
Bush's® Baked Beans Family Zone
Introduced in 2001, this popular CMA Music Festival element for young children and the young at heart continues to expand in 2005. The Bush's® Baked Beans Family Zone will be held at the park across from the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum at Fifth Avenue South and Demonbreun Street.
Free to the public and open daily (11 AM-4 PM), the Bush's® Baked Beans Family Zone will feature inflatables, games, arts & crafts, face painting, animal shows from the Nashville Zoo, strolling magicians, caricaturists, fun giveaways and much more. Thursday will be "Safety Day," featuring presentations on bicycle safety, car seat safety, water safety and more; while Friday will be "Health and Wellness Day" with family exercise programs and healthy eating demonstrations on tap. Throughout the four days there will be performances on the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt Stage from artists including Broken Drought; Joe Bonson and Coffee Run; Faris Family; Joni Harms; Randy Kohrs and The Lites; N 2 Motion; Brittany Roe; Cody Widner and more.
New in 2005 is the Crisco® Country Favorites Corner. This area will feature the Crisco® Kids' Creation Corner where kids of all ages can get inspired. In addition there will be cooking demonstrations from celebrities including Steve Azar; Tori Baxley; Blue County; Linda Davis and Chalee Tennison; food sampling from the Crisco® Country Favorites Recipe Book; chef hat decorating; cookie and cupcake decorating; and much more. Guest chef John Aston will also be on-hand to assist.
The "Prilosec OTC Search for the Next Nashville Star" Finals will take place in the Bush's® Baked Beans Family Zone on Thursday, June 9 at 11 AM with Phil Vassar among the judges. The finalists who perform in this event will have been chosen from a group of more than 200 contestants who auditioned the day before at the Nashville Convention Center. The winner will advance to the regional auditions for the next season of "Nashville Star" on the USA Network. For more information, visit www.prilosecotccountry.com.
The YWCA Celebrity Auction with Martina McBride will once again be held in the Bush's® Baked Beans Family Zone on Saturday, June 11 from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. The auction will feature special appearances from Keith Anderson, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Jay Teter and Jimmy Wayne.
The annual Bush's® Baked Beans Cookout, hosted by famous baked beans spokesduo Jay Bush and his dog Duke, will take place on Sunday, June 12 at 11:30 AM. The first 500 attendees will receive a free lunch and meet-and-greet with Jay and Duke.
Other events in the Bush's® Baked Beans Family Zone include: "Jason Michaels Magic" on Thursday, June 9, featuring illusions, comedy, audience participation and dancers in a show which blends the power of theatre with the power of magic; "Janet's Planet" on Friday, June 10, featuring songs and skits from the 2005 Children's Entertainment and Children's Educational Regional Emmy Award winner; the "Color Me Musical" poster contest award winner presentation, also on Friday; and Joel Reese "The Singing Cowboy" on Sunday, June 12, featuring interactive performances.
Fun Zone
The Fun Zone, open daily from 10 AM-5 PM, is located on Broadway between First and Second Avenues. The area is bordered by a variety of Downtown Nashville shops and restaurants.
Fun Zone will once again host Lawry's® Live! Cooking Caravan throughout the event, featuring live cooking demonstrations from Lawry's top chefs as well as special celebrities and musical artists including Tori Baxley; Joey Daniels; Hilljack; Kevin Sharp; Chalee Tennison; Bryan White; Trent Willmon and more. Fans can also check out Lawry's® Sensation Stations featuring fun new ways to fully experience flavor, such as breathing flavored oxygen at the "Nose Knows Aroma Bar;" discovering more about your taste buds at the "SuperTaster;" and testing your sense of touch at the "Feel Factor."
While in the Fun Zone, families can visit the Bush's® Baked Beans booth for product samples and other exciting giveaways. In addition, check out the entertaining activities and giveaways at other Fun Zone booths including CremeSavers® candies, Banana Boat, Sharpie, the Tennessee Lottery® and many more. Fans can have their photographs taken with NASCAR driver Sterling Marlin at the Prilosec OTC booth on Thursday, June 9 from Noon-2 PM.
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 9 from 4:30-6 PM, with Kix Brooks (of Brooks & Dunn) and Eddie Montgomery (of Montgomery Gentry) providing their unique perspectives on their careers and more for the first half of the session. Sugarland, one of Country Music's hottest new groups, will take the stage for the second half of the session to discuss their rising success.
Session Two: Friday, June 10 from 4:30-6 PM with Travis Tritt talking about his music and film career for the first session. The second half of the session will feature a conversation with Trisha Yearwood.
The CMA Celebrity Close Up series is a separately ticketed event. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 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.
CMA Music Festival After Hours
When the lights go down on The Coliseum's Nightly Concerts, the festivities are just beginning at 14 Downtown clubs and lounges, as CMA Music Festival After Hours(tm) 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 Hours(tm) include Bailey's Pub and Grille, B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant, Coyote Ugly, Hard Rock Café, 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.
Planned highlights of CMA Music Festival After Hours(tm) include:
On Wednesday, the Ryman Auditorium hosts year four of Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam. In addition to Stuart, other scheduled performers include Dierks Bentley, Shooter Jennings, Miranda Lambert, Earl Scruggs and Holly Williams. The Jam begins at 11 PM. For tickets or additional information, contact the Ryman's ticketing office at (615) 889-3060 or any Ticketmaster outlet.
Thursday brings The Grand Ole Opry Superstar Spectacular benefit 11 PM-2 AM at the Ryman Auditorium. Artists performing include Jeff Bates, Hal Ketchum, David Lee Murphy and Charley Pride, among others. All proceeds from the show benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which assists members of the Country Music community in need. Call (615) 871-OPRY or visit www.opry.com for tickets and more information.
"Days of our Lives" and "Passions"
NBC Daytime and CMA continue their successful partnership for the fifth consecutive year with stars from NBC's hit daytime dramas "Days of our Lives" and "Passions" appearing at the festival. From "Days of our Lives," actors Kyle Brandt ("Philip"); Martha Madison ("Belle"); Jason Cook ("Shawn"); Farah Fath ("Mimi"); Melissa Reeves ("Jennifer"); Matt Ashford ("Jack"); Brody Hutzler ("Patrick"); and Julie Pinson ("Billie") will be on hand to meet their fans. From "Passions" attendees will have the opportunity to meet Charles Divins ("Chad"); Justin Hartley ("Fox"); Lindsay Hartley ("Theresa"); Eric Martsolf ("Ethan"); Liza Huber ("Gwen"); and McKenzie Westmore ("Sheridan").
The NBC Daytime Stars will appear in the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) and make several appearances during the event at the Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park and the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum. But the most anticipated appearance during the event will be the fifth annual "NBC Daytime After Hours(tm) Party" at the Wildhorse Saloon at 11 PM on Saturday (a separate ticket is required). During the event, the actors will showcase their musical talents and interact with fans. Curb recording artist Blue County will be the special musical guest at the party, making the evening a family affair as Blue County's Scott Reeves is married to "Days of our Lives" actress Melissa Reeves. 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
Global Artist Showcase
CMA Music Festival embraces the whole world of Country Music - and a few international territories, too! CMA will present the Second Annual Global Artist Showcase at 6:30 PM, tonight (Monday) at The Stage on Broadway in Downtown Nashville. Admission is free to the public, but special preference is given to those with a CMA Music Festival laminate and/or a special Global Artist Showcase laminate.
The Global Artist Showcase will feature performances from a variety of International Country Music artists. Rachael Warwick (United Kingdom) will host and perform. Other performers include Mike Carr (Australia); Bobby Cash (India); Adam Gregory (Canada); Justin McGurk (Ireland); Charlie Nagatani (Japan); and Aleyce Simmonds (Australia).
Each artist performing has garnered a following in their respective territory and many are multiple Country Music award winners. This is a rare opportunity for the public to hear a show featuring so many internationally-acclaimed performers.
Parking
A limited amount of on-site pay parking ($8 per vehicle) will be available nightly at The Coliseum in Lots E and F, just across the Woodland Street Bridge. This parking is not available for pre-purchase. It is only available for purchase on-site on a first-come, first-served basis after 5 PM on Thursday and Friday (June 9-10), and all-day Saturday and Sunday (June 11-12).
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. Spaces are limited and no overnight parking is allowed. Free shuttles run all day between major Festival event locations.
Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are available in Downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to The Coliseum via the new 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, CMA Music Festival's official satellite shuttle service. Cost for this shuttle service is $35 for a four-day pass (Thursday-Sunday) and $40 for a five-day pass (Wednesday-Sunday).
One-day satellite shuttle passes are available ON SITE ONLY for $12. 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 four-day weekend is over with merchandise purchased at this year's event.
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; Bush's® Baked Beans Family Zone; and The Coliseum. Additionally, merchandise will be available at the Gaylord Entertainment Center on Wednesday and Thursday during registration hours. Merchandise is subject to availability. CMA Music Festival stores and store locations are subject to change without notice. For complete, up-to-date 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.
2005 Ticket Packages Still Available
A limited number of four-day, 2005 CMA Music Festival ticket packages are still available, but the Gold Circle and Floor Level seats are SOLD OUT. Packages are divided into four categories, based on the level of reserved seating at The Coliseum. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum; Daily Concerts at Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; Bush's® Baked Beans Family Zone; Fun Zone; Sports Zone and performance stage; CMA Music Festival After Hours(tm); free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops and more.
Seating Area Adult 14 Younger
Gold Circle SOLD OUT n/a
Floor Level
(Field) SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
Lower Level
(100 Level) $125 $ 86
Club
(200 Level) $125 $ 86
Four-day ticket packages for CMA Music Festival are easy to purchase. Order over the phone by calling toll-free, 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.
2006 CMA Music Festival Tickets
2006 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11, in Downtown Nashville. Tickets for 2006 will be available in Nashville only from 9:30 AM-6 PM, Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, at the Gaylord Entertainment Center Box Office, 501 Broadway; and from 9:30 AM till the end of the Nightly Concerts Saturday and Sunday at The Coliseum Box Office.
Tickets for the CMA Music Festival 2006 will go on-sale nationwide on Monday, June 13 at 10:00 AM/CDT. To order, fans can 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.
Seating Area Adult 14 Younger
Gold Circle $260 n/a
Floor Level
(Field) $155 $110
Lower Level
(100 Level) $135 $ 95
Club
(200 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 2005. Order early for best seating.
Television Special
As previously announced, the CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour television special scheduled to air on the ABC Television Network on Tuesday, August 2 (9-11 PM/ET). The special will be produced by Robert Deaton and directed by Gary Halvorson.
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.
2005 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. MJI Programming, a division of Premiere Radio Networks, is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy, An American Revolution, is the official automotive sponsor of the CMA Music Festival. Promotional partners include Bush's® Baked Beans, Carl Black Chevrolet, Chick-fil-A®, Cracker Barrel, CremeSavers® candies, Coca-Cola®, Crisco®, Greased Lightning®, HCA/Tri-Star, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, NBC Daytime, Prilosec OTC, Purity Dairies, T.G.I. Friday's, Tennessee Lottery, Ultra Pet and Wrangler®. Fan Fair is a registered trademark of CMA.
June 7, 2005
